Rhythm of the Rain
Chapter Seventeen
By DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything related to it.
She could see him walking towards her, a warm smile on his face. She'd never seen that intent look on his hardened features before. Even in his most relaxed moments around them, his face held a guarded expression. Her heart skipped a beat. He was looking right at her. Her gray eyes widened and she felt her face begin to heat up.
"No one means more to me that you," His words rolled off his tongue like honey. "There is only one person I want to stay with me."
Her pale hands rose and clasped over her heart. She'd wanted to hear those words since she was a child. From the moment she realized that her friend's older brother was cute, she had silently wished for him to show her affection and acknowledge her feelings. And now he finally was.
Her eyes lowered shyly. "Zuko, I-"
"I missed you, Katara."
Mai's eyes gray eyes widened as her heart stopped. She watched as Zuko walked passed her, not even seeing her standing there. Mai whirled around, her eyes narrowed as she scanned the surrounding darkness, following him. There she was, standing underneath the one pillar of light, droplets of water falling around her blue clad body. And Zuko was walking towards her.
The vision of the waterbender said nothing. She merely stood there, a calm smile on her face as Zuko's outstretched arms wrapped around her body. Suddenly, Mai felt as if her still beating heart had been ripped out of her chest. All around her, the darkness closed in. She felt cold, alone...abandoned. Her arms rose around her body, wrapping around herself as she watched the man she loved cup another woman's face in his hands and brush his lips against her face.
"What...what's going on?" Mai choked out a gasp.
"I'm sorry," Katara whispered as she lowered her eyes and looked away from the Fire Nation noblewoman. "I'm sorry, Mai. I can't help it."
Zuko didn't give Mai a second glance. She tried to step forward, to figure out what was going on. Maybe even get between the two, but an unknown force held her back. Her body refused to move to her mind's commands. She tried to look down, only to find that her head was unable to turn. Her heart began racing as panic swept through her frozen body. What was going on? Why couldn't she move?
Her eyes were focused on the two in front of her. Slowly, the Fire Lord and the Ambassador's clothes changed. The Fire Lord was dressed as Prince Zuko again. In his old uniform and armor, his hair in a pony tail with parts of his head shaved. And Katara was the youthful, naive waterbender once more. Dressed in the blue clothes Mai had first seen her in. Her face was soft and large blue eyes looked back at her. His hand rose and gently caressed the stone pendent around her neck.
Mai felt her body fall to her knees. Was that when it started? Back when the two were still enemies; one after the Avatar, the other protecting him? What about her? She had feelings for Zuko since she was a child! Didn't that mean anything? As if to answer her, whispers began sounding around her body. Whispers that she recognized had spread through the palace, unheard by nobles and officials. Whispers she had tried to ignore.
"I don't think that Fire Lord Zuko will ever care for Lady Mai as he did Lady Katara...he still asks for bread so that he could feed the turtle ducks."
"I think he feeds them every night."
"I sort of feel bad for Lady Mai..."
And then Mai heard a voice she hadn't heard since the fall of Fire Lord Ozai. Cold, calculating, and full of malice. Azula's. "He'll never love you."
Mai's eyes flew open. Her heart was racing in her chest as gray eyes stared up at the canopy of her bed. Long, carefully placed sheets of red cascaded from the ceiling to the floor all around her. The posh bedroom was dimly lit by lanterns hanging around the room, including two that framed the giant Fire Nation insignia banner. She was in the suite that housed the future Fire Lady.
Yet some how, that did nothing to comfort her. Mai sat up in the large bed and ran her hand through her unbound ebony hair. She could still see his smile. It was burned into her mind as was the knowledge that the smile was not for her. Her hand ran down her face and stopped. She pulled her hand away and stared down at the wet spots against her fingers.
She was crying? The noblewoman kicked off her blankets and scooted off the bed. She walked across her suite to the bathroom and looked into the mirror. She didn't know whether to feel horrified or shocked. It had been years since she cried last. When her grandparents died, she didn't shed a tear. When Azula vanished, she didn't even get teary eyed. But at the thought that Zuko would leave her...
"Lady Mai?" A knock echoed from the door and she stood up straight. "Lady Mai, the dawn has broken. Do you need assistance?"
"No," she croaked out. Mai cringed slightly. Her voice was hoarse, as if she had been sobbing. "I can get ready myself this morning."
"As you wish, Lady Mai," the servant sounded from behind the door. "Breakfast will be served in an hour."
Mai looked back at the mirror. Every day since she was engaged, servants had tended to her every need. She was given the most beautiful, elaborate, and expensive clothing in the nation. Anything she needed was a request away. Yet she never used those means. She found them boring. She could bathe, dress, and make her way to breakfast on her own.
Sighing heavily, she filled the wash basin with water. She stood above it, looking down at its clear shimmering depths and narrowed her eyes. The waterbender came to mind again and with her, fears of Zuko's abandon. She closed her eyes tightly and proceeded to prepare for that morning's meal.
An hour later, she entered the dining hall. Iroh was not in attendance, which was strange. However, Zuko was already sitting at the head of the table, reading what looked like more documents. Mai wondered if he planned in taking work with him to the North Pole when they leaved that evening.
"Good morning, Fire Lord." Mai bowed her head respectfully before she took her seat. Zuko glanced up and gave her a nod of his head.
"Good morning," he greeted. He lifted a cup to his lips and took a sip. "Are all your things packed?"
"Almost. I just wanted to go buy another pair of boots for the snow," Mai replied. "I will drop by the market after breakfast."
"Just be back by noon," Zuko told her. "I want to try to get all our things packed and sent to the ship before then."
"Yes, Fire Lord," she assured him. A plate of food was placed in front of her and she began to eat. "Where is General Iroh?"
"Uncle is already at the docks. He wanted to be there when they load the gift he picked out for the Northern Water Tribe," Zuko replied distractedly. He swallowed some food and put his chopsticks down so he could sign one parchment. "Before you leave, I'll have an escort prepared for you."
Mai merely nodded. She knew it wasn't becoming of the future Fire Lady to go around the city unescorted. "I understand."
"Is there anything else you'll need?" he asked, almost automatically as he picked up another document.
She shook her head and kept her eyes downcast. "No...Everything is fine."
"I don't now, guys...I mean...I'm sure I can just get something to wear when we reach the North Pole," Katara told the other two. Aang was holding up a warm looking blue outer robe and giving her big gray puppy eyes. "Um...this stuff is kind of pricy..."
"Oh please," Toph said as she crossed her arms. "You're an ambassador now. The pay isn't exactly small."
The taller, brown haired young woman sighed and shifted in her place inside the rather expensive store they were in. The younger two benders were unprepared for the sudden trip to the North Pole and Toph didn't want to wait until they arrived there to get a jacket.
As a result, they had stopped over on a seaside town and were giving Appa a small break while they went shopping for some cold weather clothing. Toph, who had money, quickly grabbed the coat that felt the warmest and paid for it. However, Aang, despite being the Avatar, had no money. Toph had paid for his orange outer robe and matching hat.
"It's going to get colder on the way there..." Aang told her. "And you said your parka was already worn out."
"Yeah," Toph agreed, jumping on the hint. "And don't you think it would be kind of embarrassing if you showed up to the Northern Water Tribe dressed like a bum in a worn out, hole filled, ripped old parka and smelling of bison?"
Katara rolled her eyes. She supposed it would be embarrassing, being an ambassador and all. She eyed the blue robes carefully. The material was excellent, the silver embroidering along the edges were well done. And it was lined with a warm white material that would keep her even warmer in the ice and snow. Her hand reached down to the pouch of money in her pocket.
She hadn't really bought anything with the money she received from the Water Tribes to cover her expenses as an ambassador. Being the friend and companion of the Avatar brought a lot of respect and freebies.
"Come on, Katara," Aang pleaded. "We've been here for four hours...I'm tired and hungry..."
"Okay, okay," she agreed. "I'll take the robe. But that's all I'm buying." Aang handed her the soft blue robe and she rubbed it against her cheek. It was worth it.
"What about the gift?" Toph asked.
Katara cringed. She forgot about that. She had felt it was only proper to bring a gift to the Northern Water Tribe as some sort of offering in memory of the beautiful young Princess who gave her life for the sake of her people. And Katara was having the hardest time trying to find something fitting.
"Let's just pay for this and get going," she sighed tiredly. "I still have to find the offering."
"I have an idea!" Aang said enthusiastically as Katara went to pay for her new clothes. "And it won't cost any money!"
"And what is that?" Katara asked. She handed the old woman at the counter some money and asked for her clothes to be wrapped in a package.
"Why don't you perform? Like Master Pakku did the first time we came?" Aang suggested. "You can use what you learned from the Kyoshi Warriors and put it together with waterbending."
Katara's eyebrows shot up. "That's not a bad idea, Aang..." she mused."I am the only female waterbending master who can fight...it would be a great chance to show the young girls!"
"Great, we have an idea of what you can do," Aang asserted. "The only thing we have to do now is get there!"
"The boots will be ready in an hour, Lady Mai." the shoemaker said as he bowed. The slender young woman gave him a nod of his head.
"I shall return in an hour then. Thank you." she told him calmly. She headed out into the streets of the market and looked around. She found her boots and was just waiting for them to be adjusted for her. Now she just had to kill one hour before picking up the boots and heading back to the palace.
"Lady Mai," One of the servants that were sent with her approached. "Would you like to leave now?"
The future Fire Lady looked around the crowded market. It had been quite some time since she had any free time to walk around. Her days had been filled with attending classes and ceremonies. "No," she said. "Return to the escort. I shall be along later. My boots will take a while longer and I shall pick them up in an hour."
"Would you rather one of the servants pick them up, my lady?" Mai rolled her eyes. She was getting tired of always being followed and waited on.
"No, I can do it," she assured the servant. "I'm going to walk around the market place until my boots are ready."
"I understand, my lady," She stood up straight and waved her hands to two of the guards standing to the side. "The guards will escort you."
Mai nodded. "Do not get in my way while I am shopping. I like my space." she told them sternly. The two guards nodded and bowed their heads before following Mai. They remained five paces behind her, but kept their eyes on her at all times.
As she maneuvered through the crowds, she occasionally stopped in one of the booths or one of the larger stores to look at the goods. There were a few things she wanted to purchase, but held herself back. She had no use for such trinkets. Unlike Zuko's Uncle, she was quite a practical shopper.
She soon found herself standing in front of a store that sold imported goods from the other countries. The corners of her lips turned up slightly. When they were young, she and Ty Lee would go into stores such as that one and ogle the goods from the other nations. Whenever Azula came with them, she always criticized everything and cited that Fire Nation goods were always superior.
The old curiosity she had as a child bubbled up and she stepped into the booth. The two guards would wait outside, as they always did. She made her way through the aisles, looking for anything that would catch her eye. Decorative swords from the Water Tribe, elegant metal fans from Kyoshi Island, intricately carved stone statues from the Earth Kingdom.
Her eyes landed on a set of silver trays. Her mother loved silver...and her birthday was coming up. Casually, Mai walked down the aisle and lifted up the largest silver tray by the handles to inspect it. She nearly dropped the tray. Her reflection was smooth and clear on the tray's surface, but so was the reflection of another face.
"No need to say hi," Her voice was sweet and smooth as always, yet it sent shivers down Mai's back. "No need to cause a scene."
Golden eyes looked at Mai from the flat surface of the tray. They were sharp and dangerous, framed by disarming long dark lashes and accompanied by a pink lipped smirk. Mai felt her blood run cold, although outwardly, her expression didn't change.
With her usual stoic demeanor, Mai casually put down the tray. "What are you doing here?" she asked the cloaked figure. "You hated going into these stores."
A small, half amused, half humoring laugh escaped her lips. "Well...when else would I have a chance to speak to an old friend?" the figure behind her asked. Mai pretended to examine the other silver trays in an attempt to seem normal. "You've made yourself quite scarce these last few months. I've heard you've been busy."
The gear clicked in Mai's head. She knew. Of course she knew. She always knew. "I've been running around quite a lot. My schedule's been hectic."
"Of course it has," the other woman replied. "Why...becoming the Fire Lord's wife is a lot of work. I can only imagine how my poor older brother has been treating you."
Mai struggled to maintain her demeanor. "He has been treating me well."
"I bet he has," she laughed slightly. "By the way, I was over at the docks and heard that you and brother dearest are going on a little trip. The Northern Water Tribe? Lovely place. I think I'll join you."
Mai felt her heart stop. "Join us?" she asked coolly. "Why would you do that?"
"Mai, dearest friend," the other woman sighed tiredly. "Has being the submissive fiancée already taken away your edge? He will be in the heart of another kingdom. Anything can happen." She added suggestively.
Mai finally whirled around and faced the haughty look of her nation's former princess. "Azula," she began in a low, careful voice so as not to alert her guards. "What are you planning?"
"Oh, isn't this cute?" Azula chuckled. "When I heard that you were chosen to be his fiancée, I wondered if you were excited. I guess, from how suddenly worried you are about Zuzu, you must be. Well...I guess old feelings die hard, don't they?"
"Azula, please," Mai pleaded in a low voice. "Zuko has done much to heal our country after he over threw your father."
Golden eyes narrowed into hateful slips at the sound of that reminder. "He does not belong on the throne," she hissed. "That weak, pathetic fool has no right to be Fire Lord. He can't even stand up to his own nobles."
"What are you talking about?" Mai frowned. "He is steadily gaining the respect of the court-"
"You stupid, naive little girl," Azula spat out. "Don't you see what's going on? Do you really think he loves you?" A flash of pain spread across Mai's face and Azula knew she hit a nerve. A sickening sweet and understanding smile graced her face. "I've been paying attention. Everyone knows that the only reason he's marrying you is because his little waterbender tramp left him."
Mai's chest was aching. She knew all that Azula was telling her, yet to be reminded of it hurt her. "I already knew that," Mai lifted her chin up proudly. "It is a political marriage. What else is new?"
Azula's lips curled into a smirk. "But you love him," she persisted. "You love him, but he doesn't love you. He still and always will be in love that waterbender."
"I know," Mai replied. "I've already accepted that."
"Have you?" Azula asked, giving her a questioning look. "After all the work you've done on his behalf. All the times you represented him and assured the nation for him, you're going to remain with him?"
"It is the least I can do for the sake of the Fire Nation."
"So this is all for the Fire Nation?" Azula continued. "Not a single part of you is doing this for him? For Zuko? Isn't that why you've been working so hard, Mai? So that he'll acknowledge you and learn to love you? But you know it's a futile effort. Sooner or later, he'll leave you for her. Or worse...keep you around for decoration while he goes off and showers her with love instead of his faithful little wife back home."
Mai didn't even realize she had grabbed the silver knife that was on display with the trays. With a flick of her wrist, the sharp object cut through the air and embedded itself in the wooden post just inches from Azula's head. Mai's body was shaking with a mixture of fury, hurt, and shock as she looked at what she had done.
Across from her, Azula's smirk only widened in the shadows of her hood. She didn't even flinch as the knife impaled itself in the wood. "Get out of here, Azula," Mai said in a low voice. "Next time, I will not miss, old friend."
Azula merely laughed and stepped back into the shadows of the store. "I'll see you at the North Pole, Mai," Azula told her ominously. "Remember...I'll always be your friend."
A second later, Azula's shadow had disappeared. Mai stood in her place, shaking with absolute fury as the former princess' words echoed back in her ears. I'll always be your friend.
It wasn't a statement. It was an invitation. Should Mai ever scorn Zuko and turn away from him, Azula would welcome her with open arms and then help Mai conspire against him. Mai's stomach churned. The sheer thought was making her sick.
"Lady Mai? Do you need any assistance?" a voice from the front of the store called out. Mai looked over the shelves and saw one of the guards stick his head into the store.
"No," Mai said, containing her trembling voice well. She walked across the aisle and grabbed the knife by the handle. She quickly pulled it from the wood post. She looked down at the sharp weapon and weighed it in her hand. It had been a long time since she flung a blade. Her aim had not dulled. "Shop keeper!" Mai called in a loud voice. She grasped the silver tray and the knife before emerging from the aisle. "I'll take these."
"Yes, my lady."
As the store keeper began packing away Mai's goods, the young woman clenched her hands in the long sleeves of her robes. Why, all of a sudden, would Azula appear to her? After nearly a year of hiding, without contacting either her or Ty Lee, Azula suddenly appears while she was shopping. Her eyes narrowed.
It would be the first time since Zuko took power that he would leave the Fire Nation. Had she been waiting for this or had the opportunity just presented itself? How long had Azula been planning this? And what exactly was she planning?
A package was handed to her and Mai took it, giving the shop keeper a curt nod of her head. Silently, she walked outside, all her senses on alert for fear that her fiancée's sister would make another appearance. "Lady Mai," she jumped slightly at the sound of one of the guard's voices. "Let me take that for you."
Her heart was still racing. Carefully, she handed the package to one of the guards. "I would like to return to the palace now." she stated.
The guards didn't question her. They merely nodded and escorted her back to the edge of the market, where her entourage of servants was waiting by a palanquin. Her hand maiden approached her and bowed her head as she arrived.
"Are you leaving now, my lady?" she asked respectfully.
"Yes," Mai told her as she stepped into the palanquin and allowed the curtains to fall around her, hiding her from passing glances. "Send a servant to pick my boots up in a few minutes. I suddenly...don't feel well."
Zuko walked across the palace, a slight frown on his face. In the midst of lunch in his study, he had been informed that Mai had returned home early from the market saying she didn't feel well. He wondered if she had caught that bug that was flying around the palace recently. After his lunch, he decided to pay her a visit and make sure she was up for the trip.
If she wasn't, it would be him and his Uncle on a journey once more. As he approached her suite, he gave a nod to the two guards at her door. He had assigned them as personal body guards as Mai could not bend and did not have her knives on her. Zuko raised his hand and knocked on her door.
"I do not feel like eating, Chai. I already told you." a stern, annoyed voice sounded from behind the doors.
Zuko raised an eyebrow. "I'm not Chai." he stated simply.
Inside her suite, Mai sat up in bed. Her dark hair fell around her body as her eyes widened. Zuko had come to see her? Was he worried?
Suddenly, she felt even sicker. Her fiancée, who had at least put an effort into seeing to her happiness, was at her door, checking on her. And she had just spoken to his estranged sister who wished to over throw him and get revenge. She wanted to throw up.
Ever since she returned from the market, she had been in her room, thinking. Part of her wanted to tell Zuko and warn him that Azula was definitely alive and was plotting something. But another part of her was terrified. What would he say if she told him what happened? What would he do? Her heart clenched at the thought that he would believe that she was conspiring with Azula and had been all along.
After all, Zuko had been reluctant to pardon her in the beginning. He still hadn't allowed her the use of sharp objects. In a lingering part of his mind, he might still be wary of her. Telling him that she had a run in with his sister would surely tip him over the edge. Agni...what do I do?
"Mai?" Zuko asked again. "Are you all right in there?"
"I'm fine, Fire Lord," Mai replied. She stood up and quickly ran a hand through her hair to fix it before opening the door. She gave him a bow. "I'm afraid I had a bit of a head ache."
The man on the other side of the door nodded. Mai noticed he was dressed in casual clothing instead of the royal robes. He was probably ready to leave for the North Pole at any time. "A servant told me you were ill and I wanted to make sure you were all right," he told her. "The trip is long and if you are not feeling up to it-"
"I'm fine, Fire Lord," Mai stated immediately. He gave her a critical look, but nodded. "The journey will be fine."
"If you say so, Mai," Zuko nodded. "Get some rest then. I will send a servant with food. I trust you will eat it," She nodded. "Good. I will have a servant come fetch you when it is time to leave."
Mai bowed her head. "Thank you, Fire Lord."
Zuko turned around and left, allowing Mai to close the door. Tiredly, she leaned against them and closed her eyes. She couldn't tell him. Her mind whirled. Could Azula actually make it to the Northern Water Tribe? Would she try to stow away on their ship. General Iroh had spoken about a particular time when someone stowed away and they didn't find out until a bounty hunter caught him.
But then again, Zuko's crew was hand picked with some of his most trusted men. He knew every single one by face and name. There was no way Azula could sneak in...Was there? She had to tell someone. Azula was much too powerful to try to fight. The sheer thought was ludicrous. A prodigy firebender verses a girl who threw knives. The winner would be obvious.
General Iroh? No...He would tell Zuko. And then Zuko would get angry and accuse her of betrayal. Her heart was racing and her eyes darted to the clock. Six hours until they departed. Mai crumpled to the floor as the severity of the situation compounded on top of her. There was still a chance that Azula was bluffing and merely said those things to scare her. Maybe even get them to stay so she could do something.
She'd known the ex-princess most of her life and she knew Azula was not above anything. Careful manipulation had always been a way of getting what she wanted. If only Ty Lee were there.
Mai's head snapped up. Ty Lee's circus was close by...it wouldn't take her that long to come and join her on their trip. And knowing Ty Lee, she would come if Mai told her it was an emergency. The noblewoman shot up and darted to her desk. Within moments, she wrote a brief note and folded it carefully. She sealed it with some red wax and ran to the door.
The guards turned to look at her as her doors were thrown open. "Guards," she said as she held the paper. "Send this to the Fire Nation Imperial Circus immediately. I would like to ask an old friend to join me on my trip."
One of the guards took the note from her hand and bowed. "I'll have it sent there immediately my lady."
"And send an escort to the circus as soon as it is sent. You will be picking up Lady Ty Lee."
"It was a good idea to come a week early, Sokka," Suki said as she walked beside him. "This place is so different from the Southern Water Tribe. It's amazing!"
"I'm glad you like it," Sokka smiled fondly. They had arrived the day before and were wandering the pristine streets of the ice city. "So...was your room okay?" he asked casually. His heart was racing nervously.
"Yes, Chief Arnook was very generous with the room," Suki told him. She grinned slightly and gently bumped her elbow against him. "Hey, if you're good, I'll let you come inside and check it out."
Sokka grinned lopsidedly and pulled her closer against him. He pressed her back against his chest as his arms wrapped around her shoulders. Soft brown hair caressed his cheeks as she tilted her head back. Suki's hands rose and gently rested on his arms as they walked. In a week's time, during the full moon and under the blessings of the moon goddess, he would as Suki to marry him.
His heart skipped a beat just thinking about it. He would bring her into the tribe completely as his wife and he prayed to Yue that Suki would say yes. As horrible as that sounded, he knew that Yue would approve. Suki was strong and intelligent, beautiful and witty. She balanced him out perfectly. He had planned his proposal out before he even arrived. He'd sent letters to Chief Arnook for assistance and the Northern Water Tribe chief was more than happy to help.
Also, Sokka had invited the Kyoshi Warriors and elders to the festival, via Chief Arnook. He wanted her loved ones to be present when he asked her to marry him. He only wished that his sister, Aang, and Toph could be there. At first, both Sokka and Suki thought they were coming, but just after their arrival, Arnook told them that they had declined the invitation as work in the Earth Kingdom would not permit them to come.
However, everything had already been put into motion. He would have to propose without the aide of Katara, Aang, and Toph. The thought saddened him that his teammates wouldn't make it. Sokka leaned forward and was about to kiss the side of Suki's head when she pulled away from his arms and darted to the side of the bridge they had been crossing.
"Sokka! Sokka!" she gasped excitedly. She pointed down to the water below, where a wooden boat was being pushed through he narrow canals with expertise. "Can we ride one of those?"
He smiled. She was great. "Sure," he agreed. He grasped her hand and led her forward. "Let's head down to the streets. I bet we can get a gondola to take us around the whole city."
Suki nodded and allowed him to lead the way. They found themselves standing by the water's edge, looking for a boat. An elegant gondola made its way over and the two grew excited, only to find that two old women were already seated inside.
"Gran-Gran!" Suki waved her hand. The old woman was seated warmly next to her old friend, Yugoda. "Gran-Gran, where did you get the boat?"
"This is my gondola, child," Yugoda chuckled as she signaled for her gondolier to stop before them. "You two look excited."
"We were hoping to get a ride somewhere," Sokka explained. "Know where we can get a gondola?"
"They're all privately owned, Sokka," Gran-Gran told him. "I'm afraid the only way to ride in one is to own one. Or know someone who owns one."
The young couple's wide smiles fell and they looked disappointed. "Ah...you know," Yugoda said suddenly. "Kana, it seems, we've reached our destination already."
"Oh, yes," the old woman smiled and nodded. "I haven't been here in so long, I hardly recognize the place!"
"Sokka, help us up, please," Yugoda smiled warmly. Both the young man and his girlfriend reached down and helped the two old women out of the boat. Once they were on the sidewalk, Yugoda looked at her gondolier and gave a nod of her head. "Since we have no use for the gondola the rest of the day, why don't you two take it and go around the city?"
"I'm sure there are plenty of sites you haven't visited yet and they will look best from the gondola. It's very relaxing." Gran-Gran added.
Suki raised an eyebrow and Sokka frowned. "Wait a second...I know what you two are trying to do-ah! Gran-Gran!"
Sokka stumbled back as the old woman 'accidentally' bumped into him. His arms flailed in the air and Suki tried to catch him, only to feel his finger tips slide over hers as he fell over the edge. "Oh, Sokka! I'm sorry, I didn't see where I was going!" she gasped. Suki bit her lip to keep from laughing as she looked down at the young man sprawled across the gondola.
"Gran-Gran, why'd you push me?" Sokka pouted as he struggled to stand up, trying not to lose his balance on the bobbing boat.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Yugoda asked Suki as she leaned forward. "Are you going to let lover boy go off on his own?"
Suki blushed and giggled. "I guess you're right," she chuckled. She stood at the edge of the sidewalk. "Sokka, catch me!"
"Huh?" Wide blue eyes looked up just as a mass of green jumped off the sidewalk. His arms automatically stretched out to catch her as she fell. She landed perfectly in his arms, but his legs gave way beneath him. She laughed as he lost his balance and fell back on the seats.
"Have a nice time!" Gran-Gran said with a knowing smirk as she headed down the street with Yugoda.
"Thank you!" Suki waved and beamed a smile at the two old women. She looked back at Sokka as she lay across his lap and casually wrapped her arms around her neck. "Thanks for catching me."
"Thanks for the warning." he grinned. He leaned down and kissed her softly as a warm blanket fell over their heads. They looked up at the middle aged man who was smiling knowingly behind them.
"This will keep you two warm...er." he assured them. He took the long stick and pushed off from the sidewalk and into the center of the canal.
Suki laughed and adjusted the blanket around the two of them before curling up against him. As she rested her head in the crook of his neck, she smiled. She really could see herself with him for the rest of her life. Sokka kept his hands around her waist as he leaned back against the seat.
They were taken around the tiered city and Suki had watched the waterbenders in action and the people of the city commence with the decorations for the celebration at the end of the week. As the sunset before them, Suki felt herself falling asleep with the motion of the boat. She snuggled against him and felt a warm kiss on her forehead as she closed her eyes. Sokka gently stroked her cheek as she slept and smiled softly. He looked over his shoulder at the gondolier.
"Hae Mong, take us back, please," he requested in a quiet voice. The older man nodded and began to maneuver the boat back towards the ice palace. As they rounded the corner, he caught the sight of a dark haired young man wandering the streets. He narrowed his eyes as the young man disappeared behind a building. He shook his head. "Nah...I must be seeing things. I mean...why would Jet be here?"
"It was nice of you to lend us your gondola for the rest of the evening Pakku," Gran-Gran told him as she and Yugoda took their seats on the dark blue colored boat. "We didn't have the heart to let Sokka and Suki be disappointed."
"It is my pleasure, Kana," the old man assured her as he lowered the water level down to its normal height. "Have a good evening, ladies. You may return the gondola when it is no longer of any use." He gave them a bow and the two old women tried to stop themselves from snickering.
As they pulled away from the walk way and into the canal Yugoda leaned over and whispered. "Even now, you can get him to do things that other people can't."
"My granddaughter can, too. It's in the blood." Gran-Gran assured her old friend.
The told floated on towards the heart of the city and Yugoda's house. Gran-Gran couldn't help but let out a wistful sigh. The city looked almost exactly the same from when she left it. Aside from a few new improvements, nothing much had changed. She had wondered if her grandchildren ever wondered why she had left the opulence of the north for the south.
The Southern Water Tribe had not always been the small little series of ice huts it had been as the children grew up. It had once held greatness nearly equal to the Northern Tribe. Only the south's traditions were always more lax. She never regretted leaving. Especially now. If she had never left, she never would've met Katara and Sokka's grandfather, never would've had her daughter, who would've never met Hakoda, and they never would've had her the two biggest joys of her life.
If she had remained there, Sokka would never have met Suki. A small smile came to her lips at the knowledge that he would ask her to marry him come week's end. She had told Yugoda earlier about how he had painstakingly carved a betrothal necklace for Suki in the shape of a fan, to remember her warrior heritage. He even had some green material to fashion into a choker. Who knew Sokka would be so romantic? Perhaps that was in the blood, too.
And then there was Katara...that girl had Water Tribe boys scrambling for permission from her father and from Pakku, only to have both men tell them it was Katara's choice. The gods only knew what Katara would do if she returned to find out she'd been promised to a stranger. Then there was that sweet earthbender boy. Nice, but he wouldn't do for someone as strong as Katara. And Fire Lord Zuko...now there was a young man who could match her granddaughter in passion and spirit.
A shame it didn't work out. Gran-Gran sighed and looked to the side. Maybe someone new would come along and... Her thoughts trailed off as she caught sight of a familiar brown haired young man who was wandering around, looking lost. Well...things just got interesting...
The door closed and Ty Lee began to look around the dark, metal room curiously. Red lanterns hung over head as a banner of the Fire Nation Emblem hung to one wall, just above Mai's bed. "The sailors will bring you a cot in a moment." Mai told her.
Ty Lee smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Thanks for asking me to come along, Mai! I've never been to a Water Tribe city before. Is it true about the ice palaces?"
Mai nodded. "General Iroh said they have tiered cities with palaces."
"Wow..." Ty Lee sat on her friend's bed and smiled widely. "I wonder if there'll be any cute boys." The corner of Mai's lip curled into a little half smile.
"I'm sure there will be plenty, Ty Lee."
"Too bad Sokka has a girlfriend," Ty Lee sighed, disappointed. "He really is cute," In all honesty, Mai never saw Sokka's 'cuteness'. He was sarcastic, crude, and an idiot. She didn't know what was wrong with that Kyoshi Warrior, but she did know that her friend's tastes have always been...different. "So..." Ty Lee began as she looked up at her friend. "What's the big emergency you were talking about in the letter?"
The severity of the situation was suddenly dumped into the room. Mai's figure tensed and from the bed, Ty Lee tilted her head to the side in question. The black haired noblewoman looked at her door, making sure it was locked and sealed tightly. Her room had no windows, so she didn't need to worry about that. Nervously, she walked over to the bed and sat down beside Ty Lee.
"Ty Lee, swear to me you won't tell anyone." Mai told her. Ty Lee's eyebrows furrowed.
"Why? What's wrong-?"
"Just promise," Mai insisted. Ty Lee nodded and held her hand over her chest and the other hand up, as if swearing an oath. Mai released her breath and leaned in closer. "I was in the market today and...Azula found me," Round eyes widened more so. Ty Lee's mouth opened and Mai's hand shot out, covering it before the other girl had a chance to speak. "You can't tell anyone!"
Ty Lee tugged her friend's hand down. "What did she say? What did she want?" she gasped, trying to keep her voice low.
Mai's eyes look on a look of panic. "She said things I'd rather not repeat. But she knows about everything. About me, Zuko, even Katara. She knows that Zuko and I and General Iroh are all going to the Northern Water Tribe and I think that she is planning on making a move there."
Ty Lee's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
"That's all she told me."
The acrobat shot up and shook her head. "You have to tell Zuko or General Iroh!"
"No!" Mai nearly screamed. Ty Lee stepped back as Mai stood up, a frantic look on her face. "I can't tell them! If I told them, especially Zuko, they would never trust me again!"
"Mai, what if Azula really is planning something?" Ty Lee asked. "I mean, Zuko could be in trouble."
"I don't even known if she's being serious," Mai frowned. "You know how she is! She is remorseless about manipulating people."
"I don't know, Mai..." Ty Lee said, looking down. "I really think this is one of those things you should tell. If we tell someone, they might be able to help...and Azula won't be in bigger trouble."
Mai's face looked somewhat defeated. She sat back on her bed and slumped forward. "Ty Lee, I can't tell them. Zuko was already hesitant to pardon me; I still do not have permission to use my knives. If I told them that Azula made contact with me, he would accuse me of treason!"
"Zuko won't do that," Ty Lee insisted. "He'll hear you out."
Mai shook her head. "I've can't do this to him..."
"Then what are you going to do?" Ty Lee asked. "Azula is Azula. We can't stop her once she sets her mind on something."
"I know..." Mai said. "But I won't let her do anything to Zuko. He's worked so hard for everything...look at how much he's done for the Fire Nation. I won't let her do anything to him."
Ty Lee looked at her friend sadly and sat down beside her. She put her arms around Mai tightly and squeezed her. "I'm sorry, Mai..." she whispered softly. But I can't keep this to myself...
Outside the doors, Iroh's eyebrows furrowed. He could hear Ty Lee trying to comfort her terrified friend within. Silently, he was glad that he had been the one to volunteer delivering the cot for their new guest. Had anyone else overheard what Mai had said, who knew what would happen.
He waited a few moments before knocking on the door. "Girls," he called out calmly. "I brought the cot for newest addition."
"I'll get it," Ty Lee said from within. A few seconds later, a cheerful, bubbly young woman opened the door. "Hi, General Iroh! Thanks for the cot!"
"My pleasure, dear," he told her amiably. "You two get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
Ty Lee nodded energetically and dragged the cot in. Iroh left as the door closed and the smile on his face faded. His crazy niece was out to seek revenge on her brother. And drag an old friend into her scheme. His eyes narrowed. He would spend the rest of the night checking the entire ship just to make sure that Azula was not on board.
Sokka, under Suki's influence, had started taking up morning routines to practice his fighting style. He had also picked up some moves from his girlfriend and changed the movements to fit with his weapons. In the early morning hours, he had gotten up and headed outside for some practice. On his way to the outer walls, where he could practice without disturbance, he did a double take.
Master Pakku had a stern look on his face as he walked beside young man with long brown hair. The young man seemed to look disappointed, if not down right sad, as Pakku spoke to him. Sokka couldn't hear what was being said, but knew it had to do with Katara. After all, why would the pretty boy earthbender be in the North Pole if it weren't to ask permission from Katara's waterbending master?
Snorting indignantly, Sokka leaned back against of the buildings, trying not to be seen as he moved closer to try and hear the conversation.
"I cannot give you any sort of approval until Katara deems you worthy. The first person who you must get approval from is the one you want to marry." Pakku stated strongly.
Sokka raised an eyebrow. He was one to talk, especially after his fiancée ditched him. Apparently, he learned something in his years after being jilted. Haru sighed heavily and Sokka peeked around the corner of the building. The young earthbender nodded his head.
"I understand, Master Pakku. Thank you for your time."
Pakku nodded and turned around, heading back for his home. "And also," he said as he walked. "I would work fast. Katara is rather popular around here."
Sokka nearly dropped his sword as he paled. He knew what the old man meant and didn't like it one bit. He suddenly didn't feel well.
"Sokka?" a voice asked ahead of him. The blue eyed Water Tribe warrior jerked his head up and grasped his weapon tightly. Blue orbs narrowed into slits as he looked at the messy haired young man walking towards him. "Hey! Long time no see."
"Not long enough." Sokka frowned.
Jet grinned and stopped a few paces form him. "You and Katara are definitely siblings."
Sokka's eyes narrowed more so. "What do you know about Katara?"
"Hey, calm down," Jet said as he lifted his hands to show he was unarmed. Sokka's eyes studied him carefully. Jet was wearing normal clothes, but lacked any armor or weapons on his person. "I met up with Katara in Ba Sing Se. And before you decide you want to kill me, let me assure you that nothing happened except that she gave me a second chance."
Oh, he did not like the sound of that. Sokka's hand was itching to hit something. "What do you mean by that?"
"We talked a bit. I showed her I'm not the same guy she froze against a tree last year," Jet told him. "I've changed."
Sokka growled in a low voice. He didn't care if Jet changed or if he didn't or if he suddenly shaved his head and decided on a path of non-violent resistance. Since he knew his sister had parted ways with the rebel, or former rebel, only one other question stuck out. "What are you doing here?"
"I was told that the celebration was open to other kingdoms," Jet told him smoothly. "I was there when Katara and the Avatar received their invitation." He explained.
"Well, I hope you know that she won't be here."
"I know," Jet grinned. "I was there when she told the messenger, too."
"So why'd you come?"
"I was curious," Jet told him. "I'm on vacation. I work as a body guard for a wealthy merchant in Ba Sing Se. The pay is pretty good, so I bought myself a ticket here and decided to experience the celebration and Katara's culture."
Sokka snorted and crossed his arms. "Listen, buddy, you may have changed. But there is no way Katara will ever fall for your smooth talking again after what you did."
The other young man shook his head. "I know you're skeptical. So was Katara. Whether you believe it or not, I really have changed."
"I don't believe it." Sokka stated.
"Fine, so be it," Jet shrugged. "I wanted to make peace with Katara and I did."
"Katara?" another voice asked. Sokka mentally groaned and uncrossed his arms as he looked over his shoulder. Haru stood there, a slightly confused look on his face as he looked from Sokka to the young man he'd never met before.
"Hey, Haru." Sokka said in a dull voice. Wonderful. Just wonderful. Jet and Haru were both there. The next thing he knew, Chief Arnook would tell him that the Fire Lord and his bride would be dropping by. If that were the case, at least Katara wouldn't have to be there for the awkward drama.
"Hello, Sokka," Haru said, keeping his eyes on Jet. "Who is he?"
"Some former terrorist from the Earth Kingdom," Sokka shrugged. "He led Katara on and when she found out, she froze him to a tree."
"I'd like to reiterate that I have changed." Jet added.
"What did he do to Katara?" Haru said, frowning as he studied the other young man. Jet looked over at Haru.
"You're not Water Tribe...what are you doing here?" Jet asked.
Sokka mulled over the situation for a moment. Here were two young men he didn't like. Friends of his little sister, perhaps, but he still didn't like them. And Katara wasn't there to have to deal with them or whatever Sokka did to them. Therefore, he could put them against each other and allow man's jealous nature to take its course. Ah...Yue was truly blessing him this week.
"Ahem," Sokka said as he stepped forward. "I believe I haven't introduced you two properly. Jet, meet Haru, earthbender and young man who is in love with my sister. He is here to gain permission from our elders so that he may pursue Katara with a romantic interest. Haru, met Jet, terrorist and former crush of my sister. He is here to learn more about Katara's culture. Probably with the prerogative of pursing Katara with a romantic interest and or using her."
The tension multiplied and Sokka stepped back. Jet and Haru faced each other, studying the other with scrutiny.
"Tsk," Jet snorted as he stepped back. "Katara wouldn't go for a guy like you."
"And I'm sure she wouldn't go for someone like you, either." Haru countered.
Jet sneered. "We'll see."
Sokka snickered to himself as he rounded the corner. He peeked back around, hoping that blows would be exchanged. Instead, the two young men mere glared at each other, sizing the other up, and then walked off. Sokka felt a tinge of disappointment. Perhaps in a silent bet of who could get to Katara first? "Hmm...Maybe this wasn't a good idea..."
"No, Sokka, it wasn't." His blood ran cold as he shot up. The female voice had the distinct sound of disapproval. Slowly, he turned around and was faced with eyes boring into his.
"Hi, Suki! Good morning!" He told her, overbearingly cheerfully. She rolled her eyes and frowned.
"Don't good morning me, mister!" Suki said as she poked his chest with her finger. "I can't believe you told them who the other was! You're so lucky Katara isn't coming!"
"Relax," Sokka grinned. "She'll never know."
"Yeah?" Suki asked. "Well, you never know that for sure. And you know what else we didn't know?" she asked sternly. Sokka shrugged. She leaned forward and in a low steady voice she told him. "Zuko is coming."
Sokka jerked his head back. "Suddenly, I'm really clad that Katara won't be here."
"Achoo!" Katara sneezed and turned her head away. "Ugh..."
"Better put on your coat!" Aang said from the top of Appa's head. "We're crossing over into the artic soon!"
"I know, I know..." Katara said. She rubbed her nose and crawled across the saddle to her bag.
"You want to take some medicine in case, Katara?" Toph asked. The young woman shook her head and then verbally answered.
"I'm fine," Katara said as she pulled out her worn old parka. She slipped her arms through and adjusted it over her body. She looked up at the night sky above them and frowned. "I don't like the look of those clouds."
"Why? Does it look like a storm?" Toph asked.
"No...I just don't like their shape," Katara said. "I remember flipping through Aunt Wu's cloud book before and they look like some of the shapes in the book.
Toph snorted. "Don't tell me you actually believe in fortune telling!" she exclaimed. "Please...that stuff is a bunch of phooey."
"Well, I'm just saying..." Katara shrugged. "It looks like a bad omen cloud."
"I'm sure you're just imagining things," Aang said as he also looked up at the clouds above them. "We're lucky. We finished up our work in the southern Earth Kingdom and are getting to go to the Northern Water Tribe to join in a big celebration."
Katara sighed heavily and leaned back against the saddle. "I guess so...still...I can't help but feel that something's up...something big."
A.N. - Azula had to appear sometime. I was originally aiming for 25 chapters AND the most anti-zutara scene I could think of, but then I didn't feel like receiving hate mail. So I'll try to keep this under 25 chapters and remove the anti-zutara scene. (sigh) Little by little...we move on. Also, special thanks to a friend on DA who wrote a SONG (:D) based on this story. YAY!
