AVATAR Book 2.1Chapter 3: Relighting a Torch)

King Keko introduces his beautiful wife, Queen Sung She, the namesake of the kingdom. When the boys go off to get newly dressed garments and ready for the dinner, they learn some advice on woman and the girls the same but will this dispute on ideas forever change the Sun Kingdom, and the travel four…Next time on Avatar Book 2.1 (Chapter 3: Relighting a Torch)

Toph continued to walk down the corridor among the rest of the warriors, as Sokka remained behind them contemplating. As thoughts flooded his mind, he just couldn't understand why Toph was ignoring him. They had kissed twice and he knew she kissed him back or at least from his premature experience, she did. He thought maybe Toph was and she was just patronizing him before.

"So Toph, you are blind totally?" Jung Sun asked.

"Yes, General."

"So how did you become the great warrior you are?"

"I have not become a great warrior until my purpose is fulfilled."

"Interesting note." He replied. As Sokka listened, he was confused because if he has asked her she would of replied training and sense. Her answer was intellectual, witty and almost girlie.

"So you are a philosopher?" Jung Sun asked.

"No, just opinionated." She replied. Ah, yes that was normal Toph again Sokka thought. As a smile donned his face, it quickly faded at the statements that came next.

"Well, Madame Toph, will you do me the honor of sitting beside me at dinner?"

"Yes, General Jung Sun, I'd be honored." Immediately Sokka knew her and him was a joke, her eagerness to join him had confirmed it. As anger built in him, he found himself seeking vengeance, if Toph was threw with him, he would be threw with her.

"I am truly grateful, King Keko with this invitation and these fine clothes." Aang interjected as he placed his vest on.

"Well certainly I am happy to live and see another Avatar. I pray that before I am gone from this life I shall have seen my people, all people free and living together."

"I do too but I must admit there are some reservations I have."

"Like what, Aang?"

"Life…I fear that when my time comes, it will end as well and I will never see what I tried so desperately to prevent. I will never see- "

"Katara?"

"What?"

"Aang, it is a foolish man who cannot see how much you are devoted to Katara."

"Then you must not be foolish, I am in love with Katara but I'm not aware of how to tell her and save the world. Nothing would please me more to not be the avatar, to be Aang who's madly in love with Katara and ready to spend the rest of our lives together. However I must admit if it wasn't for being the avatar I would have never met Katara."

"Well, it more important to reveal your thoughts before time comes."

"I try but I feel she's so focus on the task at hand she will never allow herself to accept it."

"This coat is beautiful Queen Sung She."

"Well, it should be it was made with red silks from the fire nation, it is rare but it's perfect for you." She said as Katara looked unfocused, the Queen noticed her nonchalant look.

"Katara?"

"Yes?" Katara said peering down at Aang and King Keko.

"Might I make a comment?"

"Sure, go ahead." Katara replied looking at the Queen.

"Although you have become close, you must remember that his journey was not meant for you."

"What?"

"Katara, you must think of Aang as a teacher to a student, once that student has excelled you must let him advance to next part of his life alone. If he has to worry about you and everyone else how can he focus on leading and taking down the Fire Lord."

"You don't think I know that…every time I would be more than happy to fall for him and fall hard but I remember he's the avatar and that's it. "

"I'm sorry, Katara." Immediately there was a knock at the door, as the Queen and Katara came over, Toph and Sokka walked in. Immediately Sokka ran over and hugged Katara tight.

"I thought something had seriously happened to you." Katara said, she then hit Sokka really hard.

"Ouch what was that for?"

"Not listening to Toph, your stupidity got you in trouble." Katara replied as Toph smiled, as Sokka stared at her. Toph looked at him confused, she could sense his anger towards her. What was he so angry about? She could not figure it out.

"Well, Queen Sung She, I present my brother Warrior Sokka and Earth bending Master Toph." As the two bowed before the Queen she bowed back.

"I am gently honored we have learned of your travels and are greatly happy that you have graced us with your presence."

"It's a honor as well." Sokka added.

"Well Warrior Sokka, the men are down changing, I believe there is also some clothes for you too, once of the guards can lead you there."

"Thank-you." Sokka replied as he passed the women Toph caught his arm.

"Sokka?" she called out but was returned with a shrug away, Sokka had pulled away, he then hesitated before exiting.

"I will see you all later." He replied sinking his head down remorseful. As Katara noticed the replying look on Toph's face she knew there was a story to be told.

"Listen Aang, after tonight's dinner go take Katara, head for the Suri Garden and tell her."

"Tell her what?" a voice said behind the two men. As Aang looked up he found Sokka standing there.

"Sokka?" Aang called out. "King Keko, please meet my best friend and Katara's brother, Sokka. He's a great warrior of the Northern Water Tribe."

"Welcome, Warrior Sokka."

"Thank you, King Keko."

"Well, I must leave you two, I must go check on business. Aang, please show Sokka his things and I will see you later." King Keko continued.

"Sure." Aang replied as the King exited.

"So what was the King talking about?"

"Oh, just something that was on my mind."

"About Katara?"

"Well yes."

"Look, Aang, I've been wanting to tell you something that I should of told you along time ago."

"What?"

"Leave Katara alone!"

"What?" Aang questioned again, was Sokka serious?

"I said leave my little sister alone, she's gone through enough."

"You don't think I know that."

"No, you don't, you keep trying to throw yourself on her but not any more, not as long as I'm here and her big brother."

"Look Sokka, I really don't care for your opinion nor do I care for the tone in which it came. Katara and I are none of your business."

"Well I just made it my business." Sokka said stepping up on Aang. As Aang looked face-to-face at Sokka he felt something he'd never ever felt towards the person he'd treated like a big brother, he felt hate and anger.

"You don't want to do this Sokka."

"Try me…"

"Like I said Katara and I are none of your business." He said walking away, suddenly; Aang felt an object heading for him. Immediately he turned to catch Sokka's boomerang, as it landed in his hand, Sokka followed through with a punch causing Aang to fall and land outside on the balcony. Immediately Aang stood up in fighting position ready to fight.

"No-"

"Because your scared."

"No, I didn't say I wouldn't, I am but I don't want to get this coat messed up." He said taking it off, as he placed against something he stood to face Sokka. "And I'll do you a favor, no bending just man to man…

NEXT:

As Aang and Sokka continue to fight, Toph and Katara enter; things are said that will change the lives of the group forever. Will this present a problem in the last battle? Dinner is served…Next time on Avatar Book 2.1 (Chapter 4: Relighting a Torch)