I've decided not to replace the other chapter because I really don't have much to add to it. It feels better to put it in this chapter instead.
Aang: You're just being lazy!
Justice: Hey, get back in the story!
Zuko: So, who's doing the disclaimer this time?
Justice: Um...Oh, I know! You will do it! :)
Zuko: What! No I'm not! X{
Justice: Okay, then Aang will do it!
(Aang runs away in the distance.)
Justice: Alright fine. I don't own Avatar the last Airbender, otherwise I wouldn't waste your guys time coming up with this disclaimer! :( (Pouting...)
The Wedding
Aang looked at the sky. It was very clear, just a lot of blue with the sun shining behind him. You'd think that it would have been hot if you looked at the sky. But the wind was blowing steadily and there were icebergs here and there. Just proof that when at the Northern Water Tribe, it was winter all the way around.
Aang was currently riding on Appa with Zuko snoring somewhere in the saddle. They weren't going too fast because Appa was carrying a lot of food and supplies. Aang didn't mind the slow journey. It gave him plenty of time to think.
Aang stared back at the sky longingly wishing he could just open up his glider and fly away. But he couldn't do that now, not with Zuko sleeping out in the open and Appa carrying the heavy cargo.
Aang sighed as the wind roughly pushed his long hair into his face. Aang looked at his costume with distain. Zuko still wouldn't allow Aang to wear his ceremonial robe to the wedding, so he was forced to wear a fire nation robe. It was black with a red sash that covered up Aang's white shirt and pants underneath. Aang was also wearing golden sashes over his ankles, wrists, forehead, and waist along with the red sash. And to complete the outfit were fire nation shoes made out of silk that were golden and red. Zuko had told Aang that he was wearing clothes fit for the finest warriors of the Fire Nation, but...
In a clash of fur, Momo hopped up on Aang's head. "Hey little buddy. You enjoying yourself?" Momo responded by cuddling up in Aang's ruffled hair. Aang smiled. Since he had let his hair grow out, Momo had taken to sleeping on his head a lot more. It was quite cute to Aang and it cheered his spirits up a bit as they slowly approached the Northern Water Tribe.
The Northern Water Tribe was a very beautiful city. Its walls had been rebuilt and the castle was made even larger than the last time Aang and his friends had been there. The buildings were all made out of pale blue ice. Surrounding the buildings were many statues, most made to honor the moon spirit, Princess Yue. She was a wonderful person who gave up her life to save the Northern Water tribe. She was also Sokka's first girlfriend.
Aang sat up straight, startled. Yue was Sokka's old girlfriend! "Uh, Zuko! Could you wake up, we're almost there."
Zuko grumbled, annoyed at being interrupted from his quite pleasant dream. "What now, Aang?" Zuko looked up and felt guilty once he saw Aang's sparkling eyes. Zuko sat up with a grunt. "Are you worried or something?"
"It's just that, this is where Sokka met Princess Yue."
Zuko's eyes widened. "Oh...well, I'm sure he'll be just fine."
Aang closed his eyes slowly. "I don't think it's going to be that easy..."
Zuko yawned as he slumped over his sleeping bag. It wasn't that he didn't care. He really did understand where Aang was coming from. But it was pretty hard for Zuko to concentrate on anything at the moment. Zuko frowned as he thought about the meeting he had with General Shino the week before...
...
"I'm surprised you invited me to this meeting without the Avatar."
Zuko was trying not to be paranoid, but he could have sworn that the General had sneered when making the comment. If he was being perfectly honest with himself, Zuko didn't get why he had called the meeting in the first place. But he was the new fire lord. Things just had to get done.
"I thought it would be best if I let Aang have the day to rest, considering what he's been through recently. He nearly fainted like four days ago."
The General gasped. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Is the boy alright?"
"He's fine actually. I just think I'll let him take it easy for a while. Don't want to burden him."
The General smirked. "Anyone would be if they were in your place. I mean look at the history your people needs to overcome. I would be having migraines every day if I were you. Definitely too much stress for a young lad like the Avatar…"
Zuko had to work hard to prevent himself from yelling.
I can't get worked up, not now...I have to do this for Aang, Zuko thought.
"Well, Lucky for you I have the luxury of doing all the grunt work. But give me some credit. The rebellions are quieting down now. My guards are using more brutal force. Peace is slowly starting to come back both in the Earth Kingdom and here in the Fire Nation."
"Yes, but how long will that last? If your soldiers don't stop these rebellions we could have another war on our hands. And by stop I mean CRUSH any resistance."
Zuko hesitated as the General gave him a nasty smile. "I will say this. It least Fire Lord Ozai got things done quickly. Everyone followed his decisions and judgment without question. You on the other hand are just a child playing house."
Zuko smiled back, his amber eyes blazing dangerously in the dark meeting room. "I know it's going to take a lot...for you to trust me, General. But believe me when I say that I understand the seriousness of this situation. And I hope I can have your help in this. I can't do this alone."
The General grunted as he relaxed into a more casual position in his seat, his palm resting below his chin. "Tell me more, about the LL Phoenix."
...
Zuko sighed. The General and Zuko had talked almost every day that week trying to come up with a plan, but so far their attempts hadn't been that successful.
"Zuko, you okay? How much sleep did you get last night anyway?"
Zuko smirked. "None of your business. I sleep enough."
"Well that yawn could have woken me up from ten miles away." Aang laughed as Zuko glared at him.
Zuko continued to stare at Aang as they approached the entrance to the Northern Water tribe. Waterbenders from the inside bended a great big hole into the ice allowing Appa to swim through with Aang and Zuko. The hole closed up behind them while more waterbenders filled the area with water, raising Appa up so that they could reach the main road.
"You have to admit, they have some pretty cool architectural designs for this place," Aang said as he studied the surrounding ice villages and castle with awe.
"All I can remember was how hard it was to sneak into this place," Zuko said softly with his chin in his hands. Aang chuckled as Zuko looked at him with one of his rare smiles.
I really should tell him, about the meetings with Shino. But I'll wait till the weddings over. It will give him some more time to relax. Zuko continued looking at Aang as the young airbender laughed without a care in the world, causing Momo to fall off his head.
"Never forget to be a kid, Aang," Zuko mumbled softly, to low for Aang to hear as the two headed for the royal castle up ahead.
...
When Aang and Zuko entered the meeting room inside the castle they were very surprised to see Katara and Toph already there waiting for them.
Toph looked quite uncomfortable in a green snowsuit with black gloves and dark blue snow shoes. She was constantly moving her hands together and breathing in her palms. Her hood was white which contrasted oddly with the green in her suit, but of course Toph didn't mind. "Did it have to be here? The Northern Water Tribe! Freezing tundra's and winds. No thank you. Couldn't Sokka have chosen to get married someplace that didn't freaking SNOW?"
Katara frowned at Toph. "Don't complain. This is a special occasion. It's been almost half a year since we've seen each other and all you can do is talk about the weather?"
"Hey! This is your element so of course you're going to feel better. I'm freezing! Like, I can't feel my toes! How can you guys stand this? How could anyone get married here? That smart aleck better be grateful that I made those costumes..." Toph continued to rant under her breathe.
Katara sighed with exasperation. "Toph, this is important. They're not costumes."
Aang came up to Toph, his face full of curiosity. "So how did you make them? You know since you're blind and all..."
Toph glared in Aang's direction. "I hired someone to do it for me you nitwit! Jeez, fancypants. Give me a break! I've been here for two freaking days!"
Aang backed away slowly. "Oh, right. Sorry, wasn't trying to offend you."
Toph shivered violently. "How come you're not cold?"
Aang chuckled. "Well, actually I am pretty cold. Once you've been in the fire nation for a few weeks this weather begins to feel quite pleasant."
Toph angrily blew a burst of hot steamy breathe into the frigid air. "Take me there any day."
Katara smiled brightly at Aang. It was a surprise seeing Aang in something other than his airbending clothes. Katara thought black was a nice color on him and she was very happy that Aang had kept his hair down. "It's great to see you after all these months!"
Aang smiled slowly looking Katara up and down. "Uh, it's great seeing you too..."
Katara was wearing a nice purple snow suit with white lace wrapped around her hair loops and neck. Her snow suit was purple and beneath it was a light blue dress flowing out in light ripples against her legs. It acted as a cute long skirt for the waterbender and fit her perfectly.
Katara blushed as Aang continued to stare at her. "Do you like it? I'm trying on the dress to see how it feels. I have to keep the snow suit on over it though, otherwise Sokka will see it early when he gets here."
"It...looks great on you." Aang smiled shyly.
Toph hit Aang in the back. Aang glared at her while Zuko walked up to the group. "You know I could have used some help carrying the food, Aang!"
"Oh, sorry…"
"Do you know how hard it was keeping that food safe during the trip? I can tell when I'm not being appreciated."
Zuko stomped away annoyed as Aang tried to apologize racing after him. Katara laughed softly.
Toph smirked. "Looks like air boy over there is the same. Still the lightest guy on earth. Then again it's pretty hard to feel anything out here."
Katara rubbed Toph's shoulder gingerly. "You'll get used to it soon enough."
Toph spat roughly on the ground. "I'm going to be a popsicle by tomorrow morning. Where's boomerang boy and fan girl anyhow?"
"They're here. They just have to prepare for the ceremony. That's tonight and it's just between Sokka and Suki. Then tomorrow the wedding will begin."
Katara gave Toph a bright smile. "They're going to love the outfits you made for them."
Toph smiled back. "They better. I paid a lot of money..."
Katara punched Toph in the arm playfully.
"Hey, don't do that! My arm could actually fall off."
Katara chuckled. "You're just saying that. Come on, you're the Blind Bandit. A little bad weather won't stop you."
"Humph. Could you please take me to my room?"
"Sure thing."
Katara led Toph deeper into the palace. It really was quite exquisite, especially with the decorations Katara made. There were white ribbons everywhere and little crystal balls put in the ceiling that sparkled everywhere in the daylight. Katara even made some ice sculptures for the occasion.
Katara smiled as she imagined Suki's reaction to the decor. As she led Toph to her room she thought about the changes that would come with the marriage. It was going to be fun having a new sister-in-law.
...
"It's nice to finally see them again."
Zuko smiled as he lifted the final piece of cargo off of Appa. "Yeah..."
Aang smiled as he remembered Katara's outfit. "I can't wait to see how she looks at the wedding..."
Zuko smirked. "Don't forget, this is all for Sokka."
Aang nodded. "I know, it's just...I haven't seen her in a while."
Aang's eyes softened as he took out something in the fold of his thick, black robe. Zuko looked at what Aang was holding with curiosity.
It was the betrothal necklace Aang had made for Katara. It was made out of a hard blue shell that Aang had found a long time ago from the Western Air Temple. It had an interesting pattern on it that didn't look anything like the four nations.
"What did you carve into it?"
Aang's eyes sparkled with some deep emotion. "It's Yin and Yang. I learned about it in the fire nation when we had disguised ourselves in the city. It represents a balance in all things, where polar opposites form together as one. They say that is where we get such things like 'hot' versus 'cold'."
"Huh, so it's like good versus evil?"
"It's more like the balance that exists between them. There will always be good and evil forces in the world but they don't override the other. They just are."
Zuko looked at Aang as the young airbender sat down to study the necklace more. "So, you're going to ask Katara to marry you?"
"Well, not now. I know she's of marrying age, but I think it would be best to wait just for a few more months." Aang stared confidently at the necklace. "I made it this way so that no matter what happens Katara will always remember that there is a balance for everything that happens. I may not see her as often as I want to but as it quiets down I'll be able to spend the rest of my time with her."
"But you'll always be the Avatar. You're going to have to travel and handle different situations all over the world, Aang."
Aang looked squarely into Zuko's eyes. "Then I'll bring her with me."
Zuko looked at Aang. He looked so much older now. His eyes glowed with determination as he clutched the necklace protectively. Perhaps I shouldn't have given Aang the warrior outfit, Zuko concluded.
Zuko walked over closer to Aang. "Well, if there is anyone who can do it, I'm sure you can manage, Aang." Aang smiled at Zuko. It wasn't a goofy smile. It was a smile usually reserved for special occasions.
"Speaking of which Zuko, aren't you going to get married? I thought you had something going with Mai."
Zuko glared at Aang, his body tensing with anger. And I thought he was maturing! "Seriously, Aang?"
Zuko walked away abruptly. Aang stared after him in shock. "What did I say?"
oooOOooOOOooo
Zuko woke up quickly feeling colder than he ever had in his life. Man, why did this have to be the place? Why!
Zuko grumbled with agitation as he quickly got dressed. He walked out into the dining room seeing Katara carrying some plates.
"Hey, I missed breakfast didn't I?"
Katara stared at Zuko suddenly with panic. "You just woke up! The wedding starts in thirty minutes!"
Zuko jumped about three feet. "WHAT!"
Katara rolled her eyes at Zuko's reaction. "You need to get into position."
"My position? What position?"
Katara walked over to Zuko nearly spilling the plates. "You know, right next to Aang! You guys are representing the Fire Nation."
Zuko rubbed his head fiercely as he tried to remember the map Sokka had sent him along with the invitation showing where Zuko and Aang would stand at the event.
"Just go!" Katara pushed him along into the main room.
"Wait...oh..." Zuko found himself standing on a large stage in front of about a hundred people. He could see Toph in the front smirking loudly. Zuko felt his cheeks get hot for a second before he spotted Aang off to the side smiling sympathetically.
Zuko could barely get to Aang without setting the stage on fire. He sat down with a great thump and glared at Aang who was still smiling.
"What was THAT?" The crowd around them starting shushing Zuko, which only angered him more.
"What was what?" Aang said in a whisper.
"You know what's what! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?"
Aang shrugged. "Remember the last time I woke you up?"
Zuko shook his head as his everything began to dim...
...
"Zuko! I made your favorite! Come on we have a meeting today!" Aang looked at Zuko's sleeping form and tried shoving his body.
"Come on..." Aang grunted.
Zuko sat up in a flipping motion nearly sending Aang into the wall.
"Good you're awake..." Aang stopped once he noticed Zuko breathing fire out of his mouth.
"WHO DARES TO WAKE ME?" Aang yelped as Zuko started shooting fire all over his room.
"Uh, Zuko, you said…" Aang was struggling to dodge all of the fire.
"NO ONE CAN BEAT THE FIRELORD!" Zuko's eyes blazed in Aang's direction.
"I was just trying to get you ready for the meeting!" Aang shouted as Zuko raced after him down the stairs.
...
Zuko shook his head loosely. "I...still can't remember." Aang muttered something about paying five hundred bucks.
The crowd shushed them again as both Zuko and Aang got quiet as Hakoda, Sokka and Katara's dad, entered the stage.
"Welcome everyone. It is with much honor and pride that I welcome you here today to experience the holy matrimony of my first born, Sokka, to the great and faithful leader of the kyoshi warriors, Suki."
Aang and Zuko clapped loudly with the audience as Hakoda brushed his eyes swiftly.
"I am very happy to present to you, my son and his new wife." Sokka and Suki entered the stage and the claps were deafening.
Sokka was dressed in a dark green warrior's pants and light top with a silver robe jacket. His hair was back in a warrior's wolf tail with a kyoshi helmet on his head with the gold thread going down on the side of his face. Anyone else wearing the outfit would have looked goofy but Sokka looked very handsome in the piece.
Suki was dressed in a ravishing green dress with light white shoes and a nice green pendent on top of a striking gold necklace. She wore some make up, but it wasn't as dark as her regular kyoshi make up.
Aang smiled at the couple and stood up, proudly clapping. Then he headed for the stage.
Zuko's eyes widened. "What is he doing?"
Katara came up and sat next to Zuko, causing him to jump. "He's doing the speech to represent our blessing," She said calmly.
Zuko nodded uncomfortably. "So how come Toph isn't sitting with us?"
"She wanted to be in the front so she could feel the vibrations better. Plus it's easier for people to describe things to her from that spot."
"Then why aren't we in the front?"
Katara smirked. "Sokka set it up that way. You know how he gets."
"Oh..." Zuko suppressed a yawn.
"How long did you sleep last night?"
"A few hours. Let's not talk about it right now."
Katara shrugged as Aang began to speak.
"Hello everyone. It is with great pleasure that I stand here before the new couple in order to bless their marriage."
Everyone clapped until Aang brought his hand up.
"It's going to be different seeing Sokka married. I'll be looking back at the times we shared with him and hope for the best. Sokka has many new responsibilities now that he is one with Suki. We are all so proud of him." Aang glanced back at Sokka who was starting to tear up. "And he deserves it."
Than Aang glanced at Suki. "Suki it is with much respect and joy that we welcome you to the family."
The crowd roared with joy, but not as loud as Toph who was screaming and jumping in the front. Aang bowed then took his place back in the audience. Katara gave him a big smile and Zuko put his hand on Aang's shoulder. Hakoda continued the formal sayings and marked Suki and Sokka with the traditional water tribe signs of peace and prosperity on their foreheads. It was the same black ink Aang remembered from the time they went ice dodging together. Finally after that, Sokka and Suki kissed passionately while Zuko stood up and lit different torches in the room that were placed strategically in a star pattern. Everyone stood and clapped as colorful paper was thrown in the air.
Aang smiled as Sokka and Suki went off the stage to greet the guests.
oooOOOOooOoooo
Aang stared at the meat with disgust.
"You okay?"
Aang looked at Zuko sadly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Not much food for a vegetarian you know?"
Zuko shrugged. "You can always have a fruit pie."
"I know," Aang said this slowly as he continued to look at the meat. He didn't notice someone sneaking up behind him. Zuko saw who it was and smirked.
"SNEAK ATTACK!" Sokka tried to karate chop Aang's head, but Aang turned and Sokka ended up falling flat on his face.
"Sokka, I said this once and I'll say it again. You can't do a sneak attack if you yell your intentions out loud."
Sokka grabbed Aang in a bear hug and rubbed his fist in Aang's hair. "Man, I missed you and your Avatar weirdness. So how was it in the fire nation?"
"Hot," Zuko muttered as he downed some punch.
"You bet it was." Aang looked up at Sokka. "You can let me go now."
"Oh, sorry. It's just...you've gotten taller." Sokka rubbed his eyes. "I feel like it was yesterday when you used to be such an annoying goofball."
Aang's eyebrow rose up. "Me, a goofball? Look who's talking."
Sokka laughed loudly and Zuko chuckled. Sokka stared back and forth between Zuko and Aang, his eyes glowing mischievously. "Come on, let's have a guys night out. For old time's sake."
Zuko stared at his glass with a tired expression. "Shouldn't you be with your wife?"
"Suki is hanging out with Katara and Toph. We have three hours to spend together so come on, times a wasting."
"No thank you." Zuko was raising his glass back up to his lips when Sokka knocked it out of his hand. "HEY!"
"Come on, Zuko. Don't be a party pooper."
Aang smiled at Zuko encouragingly. "It won't hurt you, Zuko. It's his wedding day."
"Fine, but don't expect me to dance." Sokka gave Zuko an evil smile as they walked away.
"I'll catch up with you guys in a second." Aang said as he stayed by the food table.
Aang sighed as he began to stare at the meat again. He didn't know why but he wanted it for some reason. His stomach started grumbling loudly. Aang shook his head slowly. He couldn't. Aang continued looking at the meat regretfully.
Suddenly his hands were moving faster than lightning as he grabbed a piece. Aang looked around the area swiftly making sure no one was watching. Then he stuffed the food into his mouth, moving his jaw up and down. Aang swallowed the meat quickly then he ran away from the food table. His mind was filling up with so many thoughts but only two stuck out:
1. He was still hungry...
2. The meat tasted good.
Aang ate meat! NOOOOOOO!
Anyway, there is a reason for that, as is a reason for the yin and yang stuff to.
Wow, this is my longest chapter yet! Anyway, just so you guys know, Zuko was sleep walking in that flashback earlier. :]
I wanted Suki and Sokka's wedding to be sort of modern with some twists and other things. It was refreshing to finally include the rest of the gang into the story besides Aang and Zuko! And don't worry, you'll also find out what happened to Shen in the next chapter!
I actually enjoyed writing this chapter more than I thought I would. Tell me what you guys think of it.
Last Edit: June 29 2012