Earth King Qui Xiang (13)

Year of the Mountain

The metalic emerald wall panels gleamed in the pale light of the torches, which was reflected off the smooth green floor. The guards stood like statues allowing their aura of silent intimidation to fill the room making it seem colder; like a house without a fire on a frosty day. The only thing that seemed to actually have any warmth in the room was the huge golden doors that stretched from floor to ceiling. Tiny images were sculptered into the doors and adorned with Jade and Emeralds. Images of mountains and hills or different spirits and even some faded words in a language long forgotten by the people of the Earth Kingdom.

The contrast between nation could not have been more obvious for Mielia. She was used to the stiffling warmth in the Fire Nation room were everything was a welcoming scarlet and the floors were a rich red colour. Even a portrait of the royal adorned the room and the entrance to the Firelords throne room was only black doors with small red isigna's on them. There were not so many guards and the torch brackets shone brighter.

There are so many contrasts in this land...contrasts that are not familiar...contrasts that I wish would melt away...I wish I were home.

Mielia sighed and stared at the green floor in which she could see her reflection through a green haze. This was her home. The Earth Kingdom was her home...the more she told herself that the more she began to despise the Nation which kept her from her real home. The nation were everything was so cold and lacked warmth.

A sharp pain filled her abdomen and she winced. The churning sensation made it feel like invisible earthbenders were punching her organs and muscles. Her throat still burned from the sickness that morning and she could still taste bile.

"I'm scared," Said Haku staring at the doors fearfully. Her voice was soft and cut through the haze of pain surrounding Mielia's stomach.

"It will be fine and it will only take five minutes and then we shall be led to our rooms," Said Maeko reasuringly although her voice sounded quite impassive. Mielia nodded in agreement, which seemed to reassure Haku for a few moments before the young girl began to fiddle with the sleeves of her light green kimono nervously.

"How long do we have to wait here?" Moaned Shinji rolling his eyes his hands going once again to smooth down a hair on his topknot.

"Shinji act your age," Tautned Maeko. Mielia sniggered slightly when Shinji glared at his sister who smiled calmly before turning to speak to Haku again.

Haku's hair had been smoothed and sleeked into a bun held in place by a sliver clasp that Mielia had given her. It had been a wedding present but Mileia didn't care too much for it. Haku's kimono was a dark emerald colour to match the walls while Mielia had dressed in a soft gold kimono.

Aunt is going to kill me...I'm not wearing proper dress...

Mielia tried not to think about the walk up to her Aunts room, her Aunt...her Aunt who had her married off...her Aunt who was so strict on everything...her Aunt who was the zookeeper stuffing seeds down Mielia's throat while she was trapped in an inescapable birdcadge.

I hope she doesn't notice...how can she? I have not gained any weight...but then again she notices everything...

Mielia didn't want to even dream of her Aunts reaction.

"The Earth King will see you now."

Mielia nodded at the attendant and watched as the golden doors opened slowly revealing a warmer room decorated with emeralds and golds. At the very back was a high golden throne and beside it two smaller ones.

Haku was trembling slightly but her head was held high like Maeko had taught her. Mielia's friend also seemed nervous...her skin had faded from pale to ghost but she walked forward in time with her brother. Two figures of scarlet in a room full of green guards and the occasional dark red Fire Nation one's who had came with Prince Sozin.

I'm glad he's away for a while...Maeko, Haku and I can be left to get on with things in peace...perhaps...if Shu or Aunt do not require me...

On the centre golden throne sat a impressively tall man draped in green robes. His face was gentle and on his nose rested a small pair of glasses. Mielia recognised him as the Earth King who she'd met a few times previously. On his right on a slightly smaller throne was a girl of about nineteen who Milelia had only met once but recognised as Princess Kaiko heir to the throne. She was tall like her Father with black hair in a long braid the tumbled down her back and a cream dress. Mielia glared at the person on the left throne...Mayleen...

Brilliant...my darling husband and charming Aunt and to top it all the generous Princess Mayleen...my lucky day...

Mielia bowed and watched as the Earth King smiled politely.

"Welcome to Ba Sing Sei Lady Bei Fong...it's an honour to have you here."

Mielia falsely smiled and watched as his eyes lingered off her and onto to Maeko and Shinji.

"I'm honoured to welcome our Fire Nation guests too. Lady Maeko and Lord Shinji welcome to the Earth Kingdom. These are my daughters Princess Keiko and Princess Mayleen who I am sure you have already met."

Maeko and Shinji bowed before Maeko spoke raising her head and glancing right into the Kingd eyes.

"We are delighted to be in the palace of the Earth King. This is our lady in waiting Miss Haku," Said Maeko gesturing to Haku who bowed and smiled nervously.

"Splendid. Well I shall not keep you long for I'm sure Lady Mielia wishes to see her husband and Aunt who have been awaiting her arrival. If you need anything do not hesistate to ask. I'll have a guard escort you to your rooms."

As he spoke a Fire Nation stepped from behind the throne and walked forward. Mielia followed and sighed as they left the throne room.

"That didn't go too badly. Now all we have to worry about is your Aunt Mielia," Said Maeko happily as the followed the guard.

"Yeah...walk in the park," Said Mielia sarcastically.

"Don't worry Mielia. I have a plan to get you out of seeing her for the rest of the week. All you have to do is say hello to her and leave," Said Maeko calmly.

"Brilliant...anyway I thought you had Prince Sozin on the brain? What's changed?" Asked Mielia curiously.

"Nothing...but he's away for a week giving me time to practice. Anyway I'm glad he's gone...he's stuck up and arrogant and -"

"Yeah, yeah you've told us about a million times before" Said Shinji rolling his eyes and pulling a face causing Haku to laugh.

After a few flights of stairs the guard led them to the end of the corridor.

"This is your room, Said the Guard gesturing to Maeko and Haku."

"I'll see you later Mielia. Meet me here in half an hour!" Called Maeko as Mielia walked away.

"Okay!"

Now I just have to deal with my Aunt...wonderful...

Haku stared around the room and gasped.

Never in her life had she encountered so much wealth. The walls had bright golden tapestries hanging on them. The carpet was soft and the large room was littered with green sofa's and chairs. A large ornate fireplace stood out at the back of the room. Doors leading off into various bedrooms and bathrooms varied around the room. Haku stared unable to peel her eyes away from it all.

I haven't seen so much since I started working in the stables three years ago. It's amazing...it's so beautiful...

"It's nice isn't it?" Smiled Maeko who ruffled Haku's hair affectionately before grabbing her hand and leading her through a door.

Haku grinned. She liked it when Lady Maeko was happy...she liked it when it was just the two of them though because then she told stories...she didn't do that for anyone else..

She's a really Lady...not a fake like me...

"This must be your room Haku," Said Maeko.

The room was green like everything else but slightly smaller. A double bed spead out across the room and there was a small bookcase and a chest of draws. It was cosy with a small fireplace.

Maeko outstretched her arm in a quick reflex and the fireplace was instantly ablaze with tongue's of blue flames which slowly turned gold.

"That should make things much better," Said Maeko as her eyes shone. Haku gazed as the iris turn from gold to bright gold that reflected the blue of the flames. Maeko stared for a few moments entranced by her own flames until she sighed.

"I should have gone with Mielia...but if I had it would only be delaying it. I hope she's alright...was she sick again this morning?"

Haku nodded. She'd been watching Mielia closely like Maeko had asked.

"It's not so often anymore though. Anyway what are we going to do?" Asked Haku sitting on the bed as Maeko stood in front of the fire.

"Well I'm going to get changed and go find out where the practice arena's are after I fetch Mielia...then when I come back I'm going to get changed again and go to dinner and then a maid is running us both hot baths...sound good Haku?"

Haku nodded.

Anything sounds good when you say it...thats what I admire about you...that also means I get to see Shinji too...

Haku watched as the flames licked higher in the fireplace until they almost touched Maeko hands. Her mistress...was so much like fire...warm...yet...powerful...

Fire's best before it burns...

Mielia slowly pushed the door open and walked into her Aunts room. Her stomach pains had calmed down but her heart wouldn't stop it's frantic beatings and she waited for her Aunt to greet her. It had been over six months since she'd saw her Aunt...

"Didn't I ever teach you to knock Mielia dear?" Came a soft voice.

Her blood ran cold as Mielia shut the door and looked towards the direction the voice was coming from. Standing in a doorway was her Aunt.

Her Aunt had long grey hair which was in a tight bun. Her face had a few wrinkles but not many to portray her real age. Her eyes where a sharp yellow colour like a cats and she walked gracefully over to Mielia and paced around her niece inspecting her.

I hate you...

"Mielia dear, I do not think that colour looks at all good on you. I suggest you change before dinner...after all we want to impress Shu now don't we darling?" Said Aunt Cho lifting a hand to touch Mielia's face. Aunt Cho acted like Mielia was a prized doll with her simpering voice but a smile curled on her lips as Mielia shuddered when the hand made connection with her face.

I am not just going to stand here!

"I like the colour I have on," Said Mielia firmly shoot a glare at her Aunt and sharply removing her Aunt's hand from her face.

"Now, darling don't go like that again," Said Aunt Cho sweetly but her voice carried a sharper tone to it.

"I am seventeen and I'll do what I want," Snapped Mielia.

"You always were such a stubborn child...don't you remember how you refused to take dancing lessons? You were so upset..."

Mielia felt a lump appear in her throat. She remembered...the humilation...being told that she was getting a Dovehorse...waiting for weeks in excitement...only to find out it was a cruel joke.. "

I hate you!

"What are you going to do Aunty Cho? You have no hold over me so stop acting like I'm seven again!"

"Always so stubborn..." repeated Aunt Cho softly as she stroked Mielia's long hair lifting it up in her hands until her neck was exposed.

"Shu is looking forward to seeing you dear..."

I don't care!

"Good for him," Muttered Mielia.

Cho smiled and extended one of her long nails and scraped it down the back of her neck. Mielia winced in pain and lifted her hand and slapped her Aunt so hard that she nearly fell over the sofa.

Feeling the blood seep down her neck Mielia felt rage consume her.

How dare she!

"Come on darling...hit me again?"

Mielia raised her hand but it stopped in midair. Cho smiled as she watched Mielia's hand drop limply to her side.

"Now...go get changed..."

Mielia fled the room refusing to give her Aunt the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She didn't stop until she'd slammed the door firmly behind her. Her throat burned and tears seeped down her cheeks. She hated everything!

I...need...out!

"There's...no...way...out" sobbed Mielia her breathes coming in shudders. No way to escape the hell of her life or the hell of her body.

Just then Mielia felt something squirm in her stomach. It caused her to gasp as she realised what it could be. She gently but a hand to her stomach...she felt something flutter against it...

It kicked!

The guard watched from his posititon at the door guarding the entrance to the arena.

The room that usually accomidated Earth Tournaments was built so that the seats looked down on the flat arena area. Devoid of it's usual crowds instead a small girl sat in one of the front row seats with a young boy while another girl stood in the middle of arena.

"Shinji! Come here!"

The boy looked up from his place and scowled.

"I'm not your servant!" He retorted while the older girl smirked.

"Your my little brother which is even better...are you coming or are you too afraid?" Taunted Maeko.

The guard smiled from behind his mask. If his old friend knew what he was doing he would laugh at him.

"I am not!" Protested Shinji as he marched on to the arena against Haku's protests. Eventually he stripped down to his torso while Maeko remained in her loose red clothing. The two siblings squared off each other.

Shinji leapt forward and plunged out his fist causing a wave of flame to shoot towards his sister. Maeko dodged and jumped into the air kicking out with her right foot and swinging down her arm as she landed causing a ripple of flame to burn feriously towards Shinji who barely had time to dodge.

Maeko stood still for a moment before raising her hands. A wall of blue flames climbed up creating a barrier between her and her little brother. Shinji rand forward in an effort to sepearate to flames but instead got blasted backwards as Maeko pushed out her hands causing a shockwave of flames.

Shinji picked himself up and stood perfectly still before twirling both his hands. Orange flames appeared and whirled around in motion to his hands creating the image of a fast moving swinging chains. They increased in size until they came dangerously close to Maeko. One forced her to duck as it swung over her head, then she darted up and plunged her hand into the centre of the orange flames which slowly turned blue as took control and turned it into a whip of fire which knocked Shinji off his feet again.

"You need to train more little brother" She smiled.

"You didn't use the technique?" Said Haku puzzedly as she rushed onto the arena to help Shinji up.

"Even I'm not going to hurt my brother that much!"

The guard sighed. He had seen what he needed to see...

She's good...

She was good...but not invincible. He knew he could defeat her...but really she did amuse him. She was much more entertaining than most girls he'd met.

He walked down a dark corridor and watched out of the corner of his eye as the guards saluted him. His mind was firmly stuck on Maeko. She must have believed his little lie about the advisors. He'd been having her watched for quite a while by a fat porter named Whu. It wasn't anything personal...if Roku knew he'd accuse him of being a stalker.

It's good sense...I want to know what I'm up against...

Those blue sparks had surprised him slightly. If she could conjur lightening then he was going to have problems.

He walked into his room and slid of the uncomfortable helmet. He must admit a guards uniform was not comfortable. It was tight and blocked some of his vision...especially the masks.

He tied his hair back into a topknot and looked at himself in the mirror.

If Roku could see me...in a guards uniform spying on some girl?

He chuckled...no one would recognise him as what he really was.

No one would recognise Prince Sozin!

One chapter finished. Sorry it took so long but exam revision! Not that it worked because I am fairly sure I have failed Biology. Anyway the firebending moves in the fighting sequence...the one where Maeko jumped into the air and touched the ground with her arm is like the move Azula used in the Chase to take down Aangs glider.

The twirly move Shinji uses kinda looks like when you play helicopter with a skipping rope. Obviously Maeko did not get burned because of her abilities as a firebender. Also don't you just love Aunty Cho?

Anyway can you guess what Mielia's physical problems are now?