A Kiss in Ba Sing Se
[A/N: This is an A/U story. The Toph character does feel inferior to Katara and so in order to compete for Aang's affections pulls out all the stops. Aang is a boy with near infinite power and is being offered love and comfort from the two girls most dear to him.
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights or titles to the characters of Avatar: The Last Airbender. ]
Chapter 17
Announcement
Aang exited the restroom to spy Katara waiting for him adjacent to it, sitting on a small bench. She motioned for him to come sit down next to her. It appeared she had already procured a small basin of water, no doubt from the Lady's Room, and proceeded to heal the cuts and bruises on his face.
"So did you see her," he asked, referring to Suki.
"See who?" she replied, focusing on a rather large bruise on his cheek.
He smiled, recalling her stealthiness, "Never mind... didn't know if you've seen Toph yet."
"No, why would why? But you need to sit still," she told him sternly. "The dirt did cover a lot of this up. It looks like you crash landed right on your face Aang."
They finally made their way back to the great hall to see all the nobles and dignitaries milling about.
Suddenly a smartly dressed steward blocked his view and his way, "Excuse me, but this way please your Grace... we are already running twenty minutes behind schedule, so please... you must take you seat."
Aang turned to see the downcast look in the young waterbender's face as he was led away.
He was now being shown to the front of the hall and up to a large table on the raised, central platform.
The front three middle positions were quite obviously for the newly designated royal family. Name cards showed where all the other high ranking guest would be seated. Zuko would be next to the Queen and next to him would be his uncle... now officially, Arch Duke Iroh. Aang found himself next to the Princess, which brought a smile to his face. Sporting the new title of Vice Regent, Sokka was sitting his other side. He swallowed hard... fate did have a sense of humor after all.
He could already feel his favorite mother-like warrior watching him closely. She took her seat with Katara and Mai at the front most table.
It was almost time for the ceremony to start when a voice that sounded like silk, but seemed to grate on his nerves, whispered in his ear, "Ah.. my Lord Avatar in training, it is good to see you can be prompt... some of the time. And do my eyes deceive me... you can look presentable!"
"I know we have met," he replied gritting his teeth, "but isn't it polite to introduce yourself?"
Lili looked closely at him and then frowned, "Normally yes, but I would also expect it to be the height of propriety also to return my charge back to the palace in the same condition she left!" she admonished him in a coarse whisper, "get up quickly and follow me behind the corner... your sash looks like it was done by a two year old as well!"
"Who is she?" he questioned, totally astonished that she would know the dress code for the Air Nomads. It was a bit nostalgic, the way she scolded him, just like his teachers used at the Air Temples.
Katara's eyes closely followed the pair as Aang left the podium.
As soon as they turned around the corner of the servant's hall, she backed him up against the wall, undoing his quickly tied sash.
"Shameful," she commented as she opened his top robe and then straighten his under shirt with machine like efficiency.
He could hear her chanting the nomadic prayers under her breath, as she properly closed his tunic.
"I'm sure you do understand, the folds of the sash here are also representative of the paths of the Way, your Grace," she remarked softly as she beautifully retied his sash, draping it across him.
"I-I was in a hurry... an-and it's been a while... I got confused... you know, dressing in front of the mirror," Aang apologized with a cheesy grin.
She cut her sparkling emerald eyes at him and he shrank, "Well, that is really no excuse for the last Air Nomad now is it?" She patted him on the chest, "But you now look like a proper keeper of the Way. You do us all proud." she exclaimed stepping back and making sure not a thread was out of place.
Aang's jaw dropped as she pressed his medallion to her forehead and said the same blessing he did before setting it in place.
"Please take your seat now Master... I mean your Grace. The Royal Procession is about to start and I must join my Princess."
"But... your name... what is your name," he asked one more, once again noting how much she resembled the petite earthbender.
"Oh, my name, I suppose it would be proper etiquette to introduce myself," she noted with another deep bow, "I am the Countess Lili Soon Haan, of the Royal Bei Fong family, and I have been appointed chief Lady-in-Waiting to the new Royal Princess."
Aang looked at the countess and bowed with his hand over his fist... nomad fashion. "Thank you Countess... or should I say Nomad."
"Either is correct," she responded now letting her prayer beads dangle out of her sleeve just a bit, also bowing in nomad fashion. "Hurry now Master Avatar, before you make me tardy!" she yelled pushing him towards his seat with both hands.
As he hurried, Aang now found her voice amazingly soothing, even though she was yelling at him.
The others were already seated according to their ranks or stations when he returned. He noticed his girlfriend and the Fan Master, intensely observing him as he sat on the cushion.
Now the trumpets sounded and everyone stood. Two large ceiling to floor doors were opened and a small procession came through, proceeded by priest with cymbals and bells, incense and the throwing of salt along the way. Next were the Ladies of the Court, dropping various color roses petals on the white carpeted path.
Aang smiled at the Countess, who to his surprise, shyly looked away from his attention, her reddened pale cheeks, hidden behind the heavy traditional makeup.
Following the ladies were the courtiers and the musicians, playing pipes, strings and drums. With a loud clash, surrounded by the Elite Royal Guard in bright emerald green armor trimmed in gold, emerged The Royal Family.
Lao walked five paces ahead of his wife and daughter. The train of his long robe nearly at their feet. His face was made up to look very austere with the black and white face paint. The ornate pure green robes of the Earth King, seemed to shimmer under the luminescent crystals. He was followed by Poppy and Toph walking side by side They wore small shallow conical hats with sheer veils that went all the way around.
Through the veils, he could see her makeup was very much like Suki's Kyoshi style heavy white face paint and her eyes done in multiple shades of green with gold accent. Poppy's gown was gold and green, studded with diamonds. Toph's was green and yellow, embedded with emeralds. The entire family wore the tradition silk booties on their feet.
Following them were the military Council of Five and the other officials of the realm. Once every one came into the hall, the announcements started.
A herald stood and unrolled a large ornate, official looking scroll unto a podium. He adjusted his glasses as he started to speak, "Please excuse the twenty minute delay," he said as he looked over at Aang who tried to make himself less obvious.
"Uhm. Let it be known... that the 52nd Earth King Kuie... has abdicated the Great Golden Badger-Mole Throne , and hereunto Arch Duke Lao Bei Fong, has officially accepted the High Holy seat of 53rd Earth King," the herald announced, his words being followed by a clash of the gong. "Let this mark the return of the original Earth Kingdom Dynasty! The prophesied restoration of the mighty House Bei Fong to the Golden Badger-Mole Throne after nearly five hundred years as witnessed by his Grace, the Lord Avatar!"
The hall erupted into cheers and ground shaking rumbles that lasted for several moments.
Katara shook her head in amazement, "The little nose picker, she never told me she was a Duchess," she whispered across to Mai who simply shrugged in disinterest as the ceremony continued. Katara now realized that she was probably the wrong person to be chatting with right now.
The announcements were now continuing.
"Let it also be known... her majesty the Duchess Poppy Bei Fong, is now elevated to the high and exalted station of Imperial Earth Queen and Holy Mother of the State!" The gong resounded once more as the crowd lightly clapped their approval.
The announcer started again, "Finally, let it all acknowledge, her majesty, the Duchess Toph Bei Fong, legitimate daughter of Lao and Poppy, is now elevated to the high and rightful station of Imperial Earth Princess as well bestowed this day, title, privilege and rights of Inspector General of all Earth Kingdom Forces!"
This time not only did the gong sound, but a hoot from the soldiers in the room lifted up as well.
Immediately the five generals bowed to her from the waist as Toph nodded, showing proper respect for her station. General How placed the Sash of Inspector General about her. He turned "It has been over 100 years since we have had am Inspector General in the Earth Kingdom! We now welcome our new general... her Royal Princess, Toph Bei Fong," he proclaimed in a booming voice.
The applause once again rose as Toph bowed to the crowd.
There were more official announcements and promotions, including the Prime Minster who was also the Master of Ceremonies. The priest now offered up prayers and solicited the Avatar to bless the new Royal Family as well. Katara was surprised that he performed the task so elegantly.
All this was summed up by the announcement of the official coronation date. The family would be crowned at the ancient Earth Kingdom Temple on the edge of the city. It had not been used in centuries and much had to be restored in preparation.
The family was led to their seats. Toph looked radiant and Aang's eyes followed her everywhere she went, to Katara's chagrin.
As the waterbender sat away from Aang and Toph, she felt as though she was being treated as an outsider. Her boyfriend and best friend, seemed to be involved in some pretty intimate conversation at the moment, and that didn't sit very well with her at all.
Mai on the other hand, was enjoying the blossoming rivalry.
"Well Avatar Aang," the princess asked, fluttering her muted green eyes in her best Sweetness impersonation, "...how do I look?"
Aang leaned over, covering lips as he whispered, "You, my love, look absolutely scrumptious."
The flush of heat that burned in her face made her grateful for the heavy makeup. The little princess' eyes where however opened as wide as they could, as she blew out heavily, trying to contain herself.
"Behave Avatar... remember the last time you had dinner with my parents, you ended up with your face buried in a bowl of soup."
"Yes... and if I remember correctly it was very good soup. Maybe I could bury my face in princess soup this time," he teased slyly.
"So-so are you calling me soup... and... and you want to eat... ," she gasped lightly, feeling her heart starting to beat off rhythm.
The airbender felt a nudge from the other side, "Aang, Aang," Sokka whispered hoarsely, "your nose... your nose is starting to bleed... catch it with your napkin!"
"Oh thanks Sokka... I hurt it earlier during training today." he lied pinching it off with the linen. "I guess it started up again."
The King smiled over hearing the conversation, "Well Avatar, how was your workout with Toph today... I heard she got a little rough on you."
"It was rigorous your Highness, but she is an excellent Teacher," he sniffed, making sure the bleeding had ceased. "I hope she can continue my training until I obtain her level of mastery."
"High praise Toph, especially coming from the Avatar," her father commented beaming with pride. "I believe, we can come to terms Avatar Aang. Toph has told me that you are very wise and I hav several new... ah... initiative I need to introduce. I propose we trade. Training for your counsel, how does that sound?"
Toph turned her bowed head and looked at Aang. Through the veil he saw her wink.
"A trade your Highness?"
"Yes... as I said, my daughter will continue to instruct you, and you provide counseling and or mediation services, in exchange. What could be more fair?" Lao exclaimed with a huge smile.
"Well sire I am... huh, " As Aang started to stutter Toph piched his thigh. "Ow."
Lao looked puzzle, "Ow?"
"Hahaha... ah... I mean... I would be honored to help, Sire," he recovered, rubbing his leg.
"Excellent..." the King clapped, "she said you would be overjoyed, and of course we will provide room and board."
The monk's expression went blank, "Room and board?"
"It's nothing Avatar Aang," the shrewd princess broke in. "We'll go over all the details later, after the ceremony. Why ruin the celebration with such trivial details."
Aang let out a nervous chuckle, "The details... that's what I'm worried about Toph," he said in a low voice.
"What was that Avatar Aang, I didn't quite hear you " Lao inquired catching only a smattering of what the Avatar hushly said to his daughter.
"Oh, I said these napkins are nice and soft," the monk remarked covering his nose once more.
"Well they should be," Lao picked up his, "they cost me a small fortune... but Poppy insisted."
The new king to be, broke in on the conversation Poppy was having with the Fire Lord, complaining about the cost of the napkins, and that maybe cotton would have been a more cost effective option, as the Queen rolled her bright green eyes.
There was a change of venue as they moved into the dining hall for dinner. This also meant a costume change for the royals and others in the procession. Toph's makeup remained the same. She also wore the Inspector General sash over her two piece golden gown. A stark contrast to the bright red.
Lao took the opportunity to corral Aang again, "There is a lot of work to do in order to rebuild just this city, let alone the nation. Toph suggested that you might be more comfortable here, at the palace, so I have arranged some rooms for you. This way we can get started early, the earlier the better... right?"
The nomad rubbed the back of his neck, "The Princess, she sure has thought of everything," Aang said, focusing on the nearby manipulator. "I guess, I can get my things brought over in the morning."
"Absolutely no need my dear Avatar," the King blustered. "That is being done even as we speak! Toph assured me you absolutely wouldn't mind."
She suddenly was at her father's side, "Did I hear you mention my name... daddy?"
"Well, yes pumpkin. I was telling the Avatar here, how much of service you told me he could be to us, and how you are watching out for him already."
"Oh daddy... you're making me blush," she sighed with a smile. "I know he'll be of great service... great, great, service... " she expressed in a husky voice.
Lao tapped Aang's shoulder, "Avatar, your nose is bleeding again."
After a short stint in the restroom, Aang was now heading back into the dining hall, nosebleed abated.
"Sooo... where have you been Aang! I haven't really seen you all night or all day for that matter," Katara accused, crossing her arms.
"Oh... hi... uh, Katara," he exclaimed with a bright, but wavering grin. "You know... I was super busy training this morning. And, thanks for the clothes... but the Earth King... you know Toph's dad, of course you do, well... well he's been talking my ears off, and as big as they are, that's a lot of talking!"
He saw that his weak attempt at humor failed as the waterbender's mouth twisted.
"I'm not so sure it's the king as much as it's about her Aang?" Katara replied, looking very upset.
Again he smiled weakly, "Who her, Katara?"
The waterbender took in a deep breath, "The her, right over there! The her you can't take your eyes off! That her!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper, pointing to the little earthbender. "You make it seem like no one else in the world matters... not even me."
Aang sighed, "Katara, don't be like that. You of all people should be happy for Toph, especially now. She's got her family back, and look, good things are happening for her," he said taking her hands. "Isn't this the happiest you've ever seen her?"
Katara huffed putting on a toothy smile, "I guess... you're right. I suppose I'm just being a bit childish and jealous... over Toph," she laughed. "Isn't that silly Aang? What I really need to be is a supportive friend."
"That's the spirit Katara," he said, even as his attention was being drawn away. Toph waved him over to the other side of the room. "Ah... Katara... I'll talk with you later," he told her curtly, as he sped away to the princess' side to lead her through the crowd, arms locked.
"Grrrr," the waterbender growled through clenched teeth. "Screw your spirit Aang! And you... you little cat of a princess... when I get a grip on your scrawny neck..."