A.N.: ...
Disclaimer: Refer to previous chapter
Chapter 6: Music Night
:Jess's POV:
I yelped and toppled over into Leah's bath, with my clothes still on. I stayed under the water for ten seconds before I popped back up, sputtering and wiping the water from my eyes. My clothes clung tightly to my form and my hair was plastered in every which way on top of my head. I didn't have to even look at Leah to know she was laughing.
After I extracted myself from the bath, I used airbending to dry myself off. The only problem left was my hair.
I looked around helplessly for a comb, ignoring Uncle Iroh, the person who had scared me into taking a bath.
Leah handed me one from inside one of her "magic pockets" and I smiled at her before taking it from her.
Uncle Iroh just stared at us, marveling at our silent way of communication.
"So...," Leah mumbled as a way to break the silence, "What's up Uncle Iroh?"
"I just came down to greet the prisoner...I mean guest!" he replied, a bit shaken from his slip up.
"As if...," I muttered while I pulled the comb through my now completely twig-free red hair one last time, "I can leave anytime I want."
It was after I said that when Zuko barged into the room, a look of disdain on his face, or was that just the way his face always looked?
He attempted to grab me, but I jumped out of his reach and Faithful hissed at him from the floor.
"Hands off the merchandise, pal!" I practically growled my disdain of his rough treatment. He ignored it though and pointed a finger at me.
"You! Tell me where the Avatar is!" he shouted.
"Did anyone ever tell you that when you point at someone, three are pointing at you?" I retorted, ignoring his question.
He fumed and I swear I saw smoke come out of his ears.
"I don't think he likes me too much," I muttered to Leah in a purposely loud whisper, "I don't see what you see in him."
"He's cute," she replied. I should have known.
Faithful jumped onto my shoulder as I walked towards the door, but I stopped when Zuko slapped his hand on my shoulder.
My patience evaporated like a puddle on a sunny day.
If my eyes could have glowed red at that moment they would have, but my glare was scary enough at the time. I didn't give him time to even blink before he was flying across the room at the expense of my new powers.
"I don't like being touched by strangers and I am sure we aren't friends," my hands fisted at my sides and Faithful's hair rose on her back as Zuko charged.
:Leah's POV:
I stepped infront of Zuko, and brought up a wall of fire, "Cute or not, if you hurt Jess, you will pay."
This distraction gave Uncle Iroh enough time to grab Zuko from behind and restrain him with a tight grip.
Jess didn't let her guard down and Faithful was just as angry.
I glared at Zuko and crossed my arms over my chest, "Zuko, you are the biggest baka I have ever met!"
Zuko's eyes flared up, "She was with the Avatar! She is the enemy!"
I didn't move a muscle, "Is this supposed to lower your level of baka? It isn't working," I rolled my eyes, "Jess is my best friend; if she's the enemy, then so am I. Do you think of me as your enemy?"
Zuko averted his gaze, "No."
"Then is Jess the enemy?" I: arched an eyebrow at him.
He gritted his teeth, "...No."
Uncle Iroh let him go, "It's nice that you are back in a level mindset."
Zuko glared and stormed out of the room.
"Where's he going?" Jess asked as she lowered her guard.
"To train," I shrugged, "I've gotten into the habit of spying on him when he trains."
Jess rolled her eyes at me, "I would figure as much."
"But not today!" I spun around to face Uncle Iroh, "I want you to teach us Pai Sho today!"
Uncle couldn't help it, he laughed, "I suppose we could manage that."
(A.N. Did I get the name of the game right?)
:Jess's POV:
After our short lesson on Pai Sho, we played a game inside of the navigation room with Uncle Iroh.
"I win!" I cried out in triumph, a huge grin on my face.
"Aww!" Leah whined playfully and crossed her arms over her chest.
Uncle Iroh gave me a curious glance before putting away the pieces so they wouldn't get lost. I patted my stomach then rubbed my head. My vision began to blur and I realized I hadn't eaten anything yet.
"Leah...," I grumbled tiredly, "Hungry," as I spoke my voice sounded fainter with each syllable.
"They didn't feed you?" she questioned, her hesitation aggravating me. Luckily, Uncle Iroh rose from his seat to fetch me a meal.
"Shh...no talking...head hurt too much," when in truth my stomach felt like it would implode.
A moment later a fish and a glass of water appeared on the table. Eagerly, yet tentatively, I ate the entire thing. It was after I ate that I recalled a scene form the series related to my meal.
"That was the same fish the rumor spread on wasn't it?" I whispered my findings to Leah, using Faithful's body to block my mouth from view.
Leah nodded, "Probably."
I sighed and sipped my water in order not to make myself sick. I know how to eat when you are that hungry.
After I set the glass down, the door behind me slammed open and Prince Zuko stalked up behind me. Faithful hissed, but I laid a calming hand on her head to silence her. Without turning to face him, I spoke.
"Is there a problem?" I raised an eyebrow, even though I knew he couldn't see.
"You are the problem! You just ate my dinner!"
"Bummer," was my only response.
I knew without a doubt flames were spewing out of his fists and his eyes flashed with fury.
I sighed and stood up with a lazy grace. As if I had all the time in the world I jumped out of the navigation room window and onto the deck. While doing this I pondered on the strength I gained after I was captured and decided it was all just a huge adrenaline rush.
The sound of boots against metal reminded me I was on a mission. A mission to teach Zuko a lesson.
"What are you doing?" Zuko growled at me from behind me.
"You'll see," I said in a sing song voice as I leaned against the ships's railing.
I knew I wasn't a water bender like Katara, but I did know some fish swam close to the surface. So, with my airbending I knew I should be able to throw a few fish on deck.
I raised my hands in a dramatic way, bending the air with ease over the water. I waited a moment to look at Zuko's face before I moved my entire body in a series of airbending moves. Soon fish and water were scattered around Zuko and me.
It was my good fortune though that one flew smack dab between Zuko's eyes, and the look on his face was priceless.
"There's you fish Prince Zuko. Glad I could be of service," I mocked sarcastically before tip toeing around the flopping fish, back towards the navigation room.
:Leah's POV:
I watched the scene below unfold and laughed out loud when Jess mocked Zuko, "That's what he gets for messing with a redhead!"
Uncle Iroh shook his head in amazement, "With you two around Zuko will never get a moments peace."
Jessica walked in, heard this, and said, "If he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone."
"But not me!" I put in," I think he's cute when he's furious!"
"You just think he's cute," Jess sighed, "No matter what emotion is prominent."
"Pretty much, but he's cutest when he smiles," I reply with a shrug.
Uncle just watched for a moment, "Sorry for interrupting, but would you two care to join Music Night tonight?"
I grin happily, "Very much so!"
Jess rolled her eyes, "Nice..and sure."
"The festivities will begin at eight p.m.," Uncle Iroh said.
I looked down and realized what I was wearing, "Ugh...you have any clothes around here I can borrow?"
"Actually, we bought you two kimonos Leah," Uncle replied, "They're both in your room; your friend Jessica can use one of them."
"Really? Thanks Uncle Iroh," I hugged him and ran off to my room.
"What have ya'll been feeding her?" Jess asked sarcastically before following me.
:Leah's room:
I used firebending to light the lamps as I entered the room and gasped when I was what was on the bed.
A scarlet red kimono made of a fine silk lay on the bed. Black and red patterned slippers sat on the floor, underneath where the hem of the kimono barely managed to hover above the rug that had the fire-nation insignia on it. I ran my fingers lightly across the material that was cool to the touch. It was obviously very expensive, and that simple fact convinced me that I could never accept it.
Beside it sat a kimono that held varying shades of blue; it was also made of a fine silk. The slippers were sized for my feet, but the shoes I'd seen Jessica wearing matched It perfectly anyways. It stood out against the red and black theme of the room; I saw a shimmer of silver thread woven down the sleeves of the kimono.
Jessica walked in, "Didn't you hear me tell you to...wow they're beautiful."
"Yeah they are," I paused, "And very expensive. I can't accept them Jess."
"Yes you can, and will," Jess said and crossed her arms over her chest.
"You're not the boss of me," I mock glared at her.
"Well I'm taking the blue one!" she said in a childish voice.
I laughed, "I was going to let you use that one anyway."
I stared at them for a moment and tried to picture the red one on me, "Do you think red looks good on me?"
"I suppose so," Jess replied.
I shrug, "Well I guess we'll find out tonight."
:That night:
Jess and I were sitting down, watching the crew members do an act.
I felt more than saw someone sit down next to us.
"You might want to do your performance before they get drunk," Zuko suggested.
I blinked and looked at him oddly, "I didn't think you attended Music Night."
"I usually don't," he agreed.
"But wh...," I was cut off by Uncle Iroh.
"Next we have two ladies, by the names of Leah and Jessica, performing. Who will be going first?"
At the sound of our names both Jessica and I had stood up, but when asked who would go first Jessica pushed me forward with a laugh.
"I suppose that's me," I said with a glare at Jess as I walked past the fire.
"What song will you be singing?" Iroh asked.
"Umm...True to Your Heart," I reply after a moments thought.
Uncle Iroh walked back into the crowd, so I began nervously.
(A.N.: Damn stage fright.)
'Baby, I knew at once that you were meant for me.
Deep in my soul I know that I'm your destiny
Though you're unsure, why fight the tide?
Don't think so much, let your heart decide.
Baby, I see your future and it's tied to mine
I look in your eyes and see you searching for a sign
But you'll never fall till you let go
Don't be so scared of what you don't know.
True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And baby, shower you with my love
Open you eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
I know it's gonna lead you straight to me.
Someone ya know is on your side, can set you free
I can do that for you if you believe in me
Why second guess what feels so right?
Just trust your heart
And you'll see the light.
True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And baby, shower you with my love
Open you eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
I know it's gonna lead you straight to me.
Your heart knows what's good for you
Let your heart show you the way
It'll see you through.
My heart is driving me to where you are
You can take both hands off the wheel and still get far
Be swept away
Enjoy the ride
You won't get lost
With your heart to guide you.
True to your heart
You must be true to your heart
That's when the heavens will part
And baby, shower you with my love
Open you eyes
Your heart can tell you no lies
And when you're true to your heart
I know it's gonna lead you straight to me.
When things are gettin' crazy
And you don't know where to start
Keep on believin', baby
Just be true to your heart
When all the world around you
It seems to fall apart
Keep on believin', baby
Just be true to your heart.'
There was immediate applause when I finished and I blushed modestly as I walked back to where Jess and I were sitting.
"Am I really that good?" I asked Jess.
"Must be to get that kind of reaction," jess replied as she walked forward to sing her song.
I sat back down beside Zuko and turned to watch.
(A.N.: I don't like to judge my own singing, but personally I think I sing horribly, but I didn't want to put that in here.)
:Jess's POV:
As Leah sang her song, I looked down to admire the dress. Usually, I wouldn't wear such finery, but I chose to wear that dress because the color matched my eyes and gave the illusion of grace to my step.
I smiled at Leah as I took my place infront of everyone to sing.
"What will you be singing?" Iroh asked and I instantly thought of one of my favorite songs.
"You'll be in my Heart," I said without hesitation and then took a deep breath before beginning.
'Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
Why can't they understand
the way we feel
They just don't trust
What they can't explain
I know we're different. but,
deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always
"Always..." I whispered the last word to the song and closed my eyes as I placed my hands over my own heart.
When I opened my eyes again to glance up at my audience, they clapped just like they clapped for Leah. I had to press the backs's of my hands to my cheeks to cool my blushes.
"Thank you," I called out and blew kisses to random soldiers. They laughed at my actions, but instantly quieted when a large object flew infront of the moon, casting a shadow over the entire ship.
And it wasn't a cloud.
A.N...I wonder who that could be? Come on it's so obvious...and we're not updating till we get a decent amount of reviews! grr on everyone who reads and doesn't review! i mean...geesh...we accept anonymous reviews! sorry just being irritable...had a bad day...so please review...and i dunno...we'll send you virtual cookies or something...