Hello fanfic readers. So sorry for not giving you the weekly update you deserve but I had a family emergency. No worries, everything is just fine for the time being and we are all in good are going to be back to normal beginning next week.
Special announcement! The number of chapters is decreasing from seven more to four more. Honestly everything can be explained in four long chapters as opposed to seven small ones. Not to mention I have other projects that I really want to get to. So that is that.
Curious to know what happened the morning after their shenanigans? Well wonder no more but first a response to your reviews
Alabaster86- Yes again gotta love Sokka he makes me laugh. Glad you liked it!
Private Fire-Sokka's threats, Azula's mushroom problem and Toph getting marries were actually last minute ideas I had floating around in my head. As for Iroh's goodbye well that was also last minute since in the original story June was traveling with them. Yes finally, there is a Maiko baby and the pregnancy will get very interesting later on. Yeah a high Azula is a funny Azula.
Who's ready to meet some Surfbenders? Let the story begin
I do not own ATLA but I do own the right to be radical dude!
Book 4: Air: Water and Fire is Air
Meet the Surfbenders
The sun cascaded over the valley where the "Gaang of Fire" had been currently awoke with the brightness of a new day. A light breeze blew through the smooth grass. The trees began to show early signs of fall as the leaves turned a slight gold. In one patch of land, in a red tent, lay a princess recovering from the high of the mushrooms. She held her head in pain and immediately gasped noticing her lack of dress. She turned to her husband for an explanation.
"What in Agni happened to my clothes?"
Judel smirked at his wife kissing the top of her head, "Well you took them off insisting that you needed to be free."
Azula looked at her husband incredulously, "Judel this isn't time for one of your practical jokes. If we had relations and I did not remember, that is acceptable to me."
He raised his eyebrow, "Wow you have a way of making everything sound so formal."
Azula crossed her arms "I gave you ample time to change your mind and you insisted on marrying me anyway."
"At ease General Azula I was kidding and you know I wouldn't trade you for anyone," he expressed tenderly kissing her forehead.
"I see true love has made you delusional, yes?"
"Hey that was pretty good for humor."
"I do have an exceptional teacher."
"Hmm," he drew close to her romantically, "your making me wish we did what you mentioned earlier."
"Speaking of why am I naked?"
"It seems you got into some mushrooms last night"
"Impossible! the mushrooms I selected were well suited for consumption"
"Says my naked wife," he pointed out delicately
"You've made your point," she conceded, "I'm going to take a bath"
"Don't take too long princess we're all supposed to be having breakfast together."
She kissed him on the cheek, "I promise I will be there."
Azula had finished most of her morning grooming ritual. Currently she was in her robe brushing her hair trying to get it just right to fashion into her favorite topknot. This process was becoming more frustrating. Since the birth of Xiourong, Azula's hair had become thicker and wavier. Always the perfectionist, the Fire Nation princess continued her brushing, using a small amount of steam from her fingertips to straighten each strand. As she hummed and relaxed by the water she felt the grounds shake a bit. She could only guess that it was the earth bender named "Tough, Top" no matter only she would be obnoxious enough to disturb a woman's beauty time. She restrained all annoyance and continued what she was doing when she felt the figure sit next to her. "Good morning Azula," said a raspy voice.
Azula turned to Mai and was completely surprised to see her protruding belly. Mai dipped her swollen ankles into the water. The Firelady sighed in relief and smirked warmly at her friend. Azula raised her eyebrow, who was this person? It was best not to stare or make this uncomfortable, "It certainly isn't one if you can't remember the night before."
"Your husband told you then?"
"I'm sure I may have made a perfectly good fool of myself."
Mai took a hold of Azula's brushing hand and squeezed, "You said something to me last night. You said that you're the reason why I'm pregnant. I mean granted it's an accelerated pregnancy and I'll probably give birth any moment and Zuko is at panic level one hundred and Iroh is keeping him calm; but I want to know why?"
"I planned on taking that to my grave: I suppose there is no use in hiding it anymore. When you took my daughter from me I must admit I hated you. However, when I wandered the palace I came upon a picture of a little boy. He wore a gold bracelet just like the one you carried with you. I knew then without a doubt that he was in fact your son and that you had lost him. You and my brother deserve a child even if the price is death."
Mai hugged Azula tightly, "I'm more grateful than you can ever understand."
They let go of their embrace and smirked at one another. This would have been a tender moment until a certain Pink Kyoshi acrobat hugged the princess so strongly she thought her ribs would crack, "Oh Azula you are the best friend ever!"
The princess unwrapped the excited acrobat's grip from around her neck, "Ty Lee please stop choking me; Xiourong needs a mother."
"Oh you're so amazing!"
"Thanks are not needed here now let us cease dawdling and feast upon breakfast"
Mai struggled to lift herself up but struggled in vain, "A little help here, ladies," Mai said dryly.
Elsewhere in the camp a couple wakes up in a tent made off rock. The heat between them would have been enough to make such a dwelling mud had they stayed any longer. Toph had opened her eyes and felt the strong encirclement of her lover.
"Good morning beautiful!" he whispered dotingly
"Morning meat head," she replied with equal tenderness
Sokka got up almost offended, "Can you use another name for me please?"
"Ok, ok Sokka," she laughed
"No a nickname c'mon," he whined.
Toph arose giving him a noogie, "How about my loveably meathead?"
Sokka pinned Toph's arms above her head. She playfully tried to wrestle out of his grip. "You've got some nerve." She jokingly chided
The warmth of their bodies enticed the other; both, just a hair's breadth away from each other. His body so real, so chiseled, more muscular, than she could remember; her curves luscious like the road to pleasure and her alabaster smooth skin like milk; they wanted this so much, so desperately. They weren't children anymore; dare they allow each other to savor this moment? Sokka licked his lip and closed in on Toph. Before he could savor her kisses there was a knock at the tent. Sokka released her and almost spoke in a huff. Toph covered his mouth shushing him.
"Hey Toph it's me," said Katara
"What do you want?" She said almost too rudely.
"Have you seen Sokka?"
"What am I his keeper? Why should I tell you anyway; I'm still mad at you"
"Can I come in?"
"No, you can talk to me just fine out there."
"Ok I deserve that. What I did was beyond wrong it was... well it was stupid. You just told the truth which was more than I was doing. I'm happy it's out in the open. Lying feels horrible and making Aang do it was worse. I'm so sorry"
This was genuine Katara which made her feel guilty; but she did something hurtful based on a mistake in speech. Toph couldn't be completely angry after the all the man she waited her whole life for was here. There was really no use in staying mad, when an apology is given. Top couldn't make it easy for though she has her pride after all, "Yeah, yeah don't get mushy; I gotta get ready."
"Maybe I could braid your hair and do your makeup?"
"I don't do frou-frou and why would you suggest that anyway."
"Well I know I said don't keep secrets; but Sokka likes you and I thought...I don't know; we could help him along to confess."
Sokka had to bite his tongue at that one, if only she knew. Toph laid a peck on his cheek and smiled, "Meh I'll pass, I have 'snooty fruity' Lord Sun to get to know and marry; I did run away."
"You mean you're going through with it after all."
"He's a nice guy and he's trying I'll give him a chance; but I ain't marrying him until I'm good and ready."
"That will be an interesting conversation with your parents."
"Well I'm going to be keeping it real with them no more running or hiding."
"Good for you Toph," she said with optimism that channeled Aang, "I'll see you at breakfast then, if you do see Sokka tell him I'm making his favorite Salmon and seaweed with stewed sea prunes."
Toph gagged at the idea of that combination, "You got it"
Sokka's mouth began watering. He looked at Toph again and stroked her hair. He just stared at her until he was sure his sister had left, "Man that last one almost got me."
"You people really eat that stuff?"
"It's good if you give it a try."
"Don't think your kissing me after you eat that stuff."
"So you want me to kiss you now, then?"
"Oh Sokka," she pulled him in close to her lips and bit him on his neck, "I don't give kisses that easy."
He rubbed the sore spot on his neck and hoped it wouldn't bruise. An interrogation from his sister is not an idea he was looking forward to. Nonetheless, he got the point, they couldn't carry on this charade the night was over and they were back to being just friends. With a heavy sigh he held her hands in his, "I'm going to miss you and I hope you find true happiness."
Toph blushed furiously and shoved him, "Aww man don't get all cupcake on me I can't handle it right now!"
He shook his head and chuckled, "Sorry but for what it's worth this has been the best night of my life."
She tackled him into a hug not wanting to let go, "Yeah me too"
Toph collapsed the tent with her earthbending and brushed herself off, "What say we get some grub."
After a mostly awkward and silent breakfast; the group packed up their belongings and began their trek onward. Aang hated to leave his beloved Bison and Lemur behind but he at least felt safe knowing they were in the hands of Jun. Although a twinge of guilt gnawed at him, he thought positively about what he was going to bring back. He was going to restore his culture. It should have been a normal hike had not certain people have been fussing over their pregnant wives or others had not been fawning over their new spouse. The scenery itself was true delight the mountains were glorious and tall. The earth had a pure white look with a dusted purple majesty. For those who couldn't see there was all sorts of undiscovered regions underground. So for the most everyone was fairly pleased. They reached a large body of water and The Avatar could barely contain himself.
"This is so exciting I just can't wait to see the temple, aren't you happy guys."
Aang's tattoos lit up brightly, his whole body had an ethereal white surrounding him "Aang you're glowing!" said Katara
"Am I that happy? gosh I think I should tone it down."
"No twinkle toes she means you're glowing literally"
"How would you know Toph?"
"I can feel the heat from here smarty robes."
Judel ran up to Aang and examined his form, "It is time," said Iroh in astonishment
"What do you mean?"
"Aang take your shirt off," Judel demanded.
Aang shrugged and followed through with the request. Upon his back was a map in lustrous light blue. The ridges pronounced themselves with each muscle in his back.
"I'm guessing that's my cue," Toph surmised
Toph cracked her knuckles moving people aside. The Amazonian earthbenders height matched Aang's, "Just warning you sugar queen I'm not trying to get fresh Aang isn't really my type."
The Avatar's mouth hung open as he hung his head in disappointment. Katara giggled uncontrollably, "You have my permission Toph."
Toph touched his back, reading the ridges. Aang stood still like a statue. He had to hold back laughter when she reached certain points on his spine. She compared what she felt beneath her feet with the map on his back. It all became clear, "Alright got it: everyone, stand back!"
They compliantly backed away giving Toph the necessary room she needed. Toph focused on the location underground. She quickly calculated the best way to get there without collapsing the earth. She stomped on the ground reading every crevice and cavern. Satisfied, she commanded the earth with great poetry to rise up. Toph created a platform with ease. Smiling at her work she pointed the others forward. "Okay baldy let's hope your earthbending isn't crummy."
"I have improved, I've been working with Bumi," said Aang proudly
"Hey Mr. and Mrs. Dragon lady and Flame head, in case he dooms us all we're going to need fire power to rocket us out of here."
"Understood," said Judel, Azula and Zuko.
"Hey Sugar queen I'm going to need you to keep the water back."
"No problem," said Katara.
"All right Giggles and Tumbler you're up."
"I love my cute nickname Tumbler, you are so inventive."
"How about we save the flattery before I have this baby."
Mai slowly stepped to ground. Zuko noticing some ripples in the water pulled his wife back, "Mai watch out!"
The Firelady moved him back, "Zuko, I'm not helpless!"
"No look," Iroh observed, "the platform is sinking"
Toph blew her bangs out of her eyes in a huff and flexed her muscles, "I'll show the earth whose boss!"
Toph dug in her heels deeper into the ground and with her arms; she made pulling motions, trying to hold the ground steady. Somehow it felt heavier. Aang stepped in shadowing Toph's movements both struggling to keep the platform above ground. All the while he was trying to keep the Avatar State at bay. Katara stepped in pushing the water back. Sokka observed the actions of his companions and sister. He noticed the pattern of the waves and the way the earth rolled. The water tribesman knew exactly what was causing this. He took his boomerang from side pouch and aimed carefully at the center of water and flung it, aiming it at his target. "OUCH!" Exclaimed the voice
Sokka held out his hand catching the boomerang. Toph, Katara and Aang ceased their actions. "Did the water speak?"
"Yeah its water all right; waterbenders," sneered Katara.
Two figures emerged from both sides of the water. The female figure wore a long tunic and the male wore board shorts. They rode their makeshift wave as the water was closing in on Toph, Aang and Katara. "Hold on Toph I'm getting you out of here."
With his airbending, he propelled him and Toph into the air and used his waterbending to make an ice slide leading to the other side. Katara encased herself in an orb of water and made her way to the group. Aggravated, Toph shoved Aang aside, "Now it's personal!"
"Toph wait!"
Before the Avatar could plea any further, the master earthbender created a small quake that made the boulders move closer to each other. The surfing duo maneuvered around the sharps rocks perfectly. Toph melded the rocks together, forming them into sharp spikes. The duo intertwined their pools of water, making a tunnel. Out from the pool of water, emerged another duo of young men on surf boards, using the sand from the ocean to suppress Toph's bending. The master earthbender dug in her heels and gritted her teeth and with more intensity she grabbed them one of the young men with a giant rock hand and hurled him toward the ground in front of her. The young man dusted himself off. Upon looking at Toph he immediately bowed, "Whoa, Mother Earth!"
"Check that out; they like me."
The two surfing benders stopped in their tracks and the other young man made solid ground for them to stand on. "Welcome might Mother Earth and friends."
"Just once can we go somewhere, where I'm the one people marvel at?"
"Sokka Shh," Katara reprimanded
"We are the Surfbenders; Born from a mother from water and father from earth, producing two sets of twins. We were trained by the awesome dudes representing Tui and La themselves Bumi the crazy and Pakku the serious. We are the waterbending siblings my name is Keo and this is my sis Kalani. These are our earthbending little bro's Kaman and Kapani."
Sokka looked at the height difference of the younger that towered over Keo and Kalani by several inches, "Those are the youngest?
"I know their like giants right?" said Keo, "Now even though this group is traveling with celebrities we need proof to know that you are who you say you are."
"You wouldn't believe the poor imitations we've seen like our mighty mother earth is a man," said Kalani
"What about the one guy who was wearing blush on his eye pretending to be Firelord," said Keo
"My favorite was the Avatar that was so a woman," laughed Kalani
"So what kind of proof do you need?" said Aang stepping forward
"We got no beefs with you bro, since you're all like glowing and stuff," voiced Kapani
"And look at the way he is holding his mates hand so reads like bright red chi passion," said a romantic Kalani
"Somebody got a roll in the hay," winked Keo
"That's what Uncle hot pants did last night," said Toph to Sokka who was trying not to snicker out loud.
"And we already know your Sokka is real. As an official club president, I would recognize that wolf tail boomerang and black sword anywhere. Not to mention that goatee makes you look so manly."
Sokka sported a big smile on his face and puffed out his chest, "See now that Kalani has taste."
Keo resisted rolling his eyes and continued, "It is the others that need to prove themselves genuine."
"Well I can do chi blocking if one of you volunteers."
Kapani made a wave with the sand. He flipped his long luxuriant hair and rubbed dirt in his wavy hair slicking it back. He strutted toward Ty Lee eyes smoldering flirtatious manner. He stomped the ground next to Ty Lee that caused a wildflower to pop up. He smoothly tucked it behind her ear. "Don't hold back now."
Ty Lee giggled and blushed. Without hesitation, she hit three pressure points. He stood like a tower at first and then stumbled forward into her arms. The Pink Kyoshi swooned at the earthbender with hearts in her eyes. They stared at one another as if striking up a conversation, by just using their eyes. Mai took that exact moment to let one of her daggers go, aiming at Kapani. Nothing could divert the attention of the two budding lovebirds, "How are you able to do that?" said Ty Lee in awe.
"Maybe sometime we can talk about that over dinner," he seduced.
Kalani with quick reflexes put up a thick shield of ice; neither one noticed. Kalani rolled her eyes. "Well it's your turn your fieriness," she said to Zuko.
The Firelord walked to his Uncle, Azula and Judel. "I need us all to put our differences aside and perform an exhibition; one that we haven't done in a long time."
"You mean raging dragon," said Azula.
Zuko nodded to his sister
"I'm sorry but I'm not sure of that maneuver."
"How good is your breath of fire Judel?" said a jovial Iroh
"I'm one of the best according to my old Sifu."
"Then follow my lead."
Zuko gave his swords to Sokka. He kissed Mai on the cheek and rubbed her belly. Azula made a blue ring of fire. Zuko added to the circle with his orange fire. Iroh used his red breath of fire and Judel followed with his green. The circular motion of their fires created a display that Agni would be proud of. They all pointed their fingers inward toward the fire. With precision, each one took the flame belonging to them and made a flame dragon. The creatures whipped through the air with sound breaking speed and collided into one another, crafting a breathtaking display of fireworks. Truly these were masters of their art. Though Toph couldn't see she felt an array of energy that can only be described as unity. It was a sight that would bring any man to his knees in reverence. The beach was silent as they soaked in the scene.
"Radical" exclaimed Kaman for the first time, breaking the quiet."
Keo stood in the middle of the crowd, "Most righteous dudes and dudettes, you have proven that you are truly the Gaang and friends and with that; we grant you passage to the temple of Qigong."
Keo and Kalani in unison used their bending to raise the water, revealing a dry patch of stone. Kama and Kapani opened the large hatch door and beneath it was a set of steps; a glowing gold light irradiated brilliantly. With happy faces they bade the group a safe journey. The Gaang of fire looked at each other, this was it now. All of their travels, all of the arguments it meant nothing. Life was about to change as they know it and the world was never to be the same.