I Need To Find Myself
Song Inspired: Ladies' Night-Angie Martinez, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Da Brat and Left Eye Lopez (for some reason I like this version better than the original)
Azula exited the restroom, wearing the tacky green dress she loathed so much. She looked down on herself as she closed the door behind her, holding the torn rags she wore the day before under her arm, "Ugh, these clothes are truly repulsive." thought Azula to herself. Her focus turned towards the hallway, noticing that Jian was no longer there, "Of course, why would you be? Can't have daddy catching you with your cock hanging down now can we?" thought Azula as a devilish grin emerged from her face. She then proceeded to walk down the hall and try to find the room that formerly belonged to the medicine man's daughter; she searched frantically, unwilling to continue her journey wearing such a disgusting dress. Finally, she came upon a small room, decorated with green and pink flowers along the walls, "hmhmhm, this surely can't be Jian's room." thought Azula to herself as she proceeded to enter the small room. She looked around, analyzing every little nook and cranny, along with Lian's old things. "Alright Lian, let's see what you left behind for me." Thought Azula as she opened the drawers and searched through all the old dresses, bindings and socks until finally, she found a drawer with a pair of trousers tucked neatly inside, a bit loosely fit with small golden buttons on the side of it's tight bottom cuffs. She sighed, "I guess this'll do; geez It's like I've been settling for mediocrity since I got here." said Azula, referencing to her previous sexual encounter with the medicine man's son. She took the pair of pants and tucked it in her dress, along with a dark, muddy green blouse she managed to find on the side and exited the room. As she proceeded to walk down the stairs, she stumbled across the medicine man, and Jian.
The medicine man smiled, "Ahh, I see you're all better Nuying." said the medicine man happily, his hands behind his back, "I take it my soon took good care of you?" asked the medicine man innocently.
Azula quickly glanced at Jian, who was awkwardly standing next to his father, nervousness etched on his face, "Oh yeah, he took really good care of me." said Azula sarcastically as she brushed her dress down with her hands.
The medicine man was taken aback by Azula's brashness, but quickly disregarded it and continued, "Well, I'm glad; I'm just here to let you know that you're all ready to go." said the medicine man proudly.
Azula was excited by the news, after all, she wanted to get out of that wretched place and continue on her journey. She quickly put on a façade, "Oh thank you so much for caring for me sir; it was truly an honor to receive your assistance." said Azula cunningly.
The medicine man bowed his head to Azula, "Please, the honor was all mine." said the medicine man as he raised his head to face the young woman.
"Yeah that's right, bow old man, for you're standing in the presence of royalty." thought Azula cunningly to herself.
The medicine man continued, "My son packed a couple of things for you to bring on your journey; I assumed you might need it, after all you won't reach the next village for another two days." said the medicine man sternly.
Jian approached Azula and offered her a tight bundle, "It contains a small tent, sparks to start a fire, food, water, and more medicine, just in case." said the medicine man gladly.
Azula observed the small bundle, "Perfect" said Azula. Her eyes then focused on the young man in front of her. She took the bundle from his hand and placed it on the floor; she then raised herself and dove into Jian's arms as she approached his ear, "Don't worry, our little secret." whispered Azula seductively.
Jian couldn't help but comply and returned the embrace, intimidated by the young woman before him, but at the same time relieved that she didn't spill their dirty secret to his father. They soon let go of their embrace, Jian starring at her elegant face and catching quick glances of her cleavage. Without looking back at the two men, she picked up the bundle off the floor and headed out the door to her next destination.
"Don't you think I have forgotten you; I will find you, and end you."
It's been several days since Aang's departure, and things resumed as normal in the busy tea shop. Katara was busy preparing herself for another day's work; she just finished fixing her bed and was busy putting on her work clothes, "Ahh, another day, another dollar." thought Katara eagerly to herself as she picked up her hair brush and proceeded to pass it along her long, dark locks. "Heh, I hope that lady from yesterday comes back soon; she bought ten cups of tea!" thought Katara as she smiled to her reflection on the mirror in front of her; she then received a knock on her door.
Katara turned to face her door, "Yes?" asked Katara as she continued to brush her hair.
"Katara, it's me Iroh" said Iroh.
Katara soon put down her brush and picked up her hair tie; she continued to fiddled with her hair as she approached the door and opened it. "Iroh, hey. What's going on?" asked Katara as she gestured Iroh to come inside as she finished tying her hair in a long ponytail.
Iroh smiled compliantly as he entered; he walked to the corner by the end of the room and waited for Katara's full attention as he watched as Katara put on her work flats, "Katara, I believe you have a visitor." said Iroh happily.
Katara's face beamed, but couldn't help but wonder who was visiting her, "Gee that's weird; Lee's not supposed to come visit me until the end of the week." thought Katara to herself. "Yeah?" asked Katara to Iroh curiously.
Iroh looked at Katara comfortingly, "Yes, as a matter of fact; this person's waiting for you downstairs if you are willing to accept an unexpected visitor." said Iroh warmly.
Katara finished putting on her work flats and contemplated about it, "Hmm, I guess I should; It'd be rude not to." said Katara to herself as she passed her hands swiftly on her work outfit off, ready to take on another day of customers.
Katara then turned to Iroh, "All right, I don't see why not." said Katara cheerfully.
Iroh nodded at the young Water Tribe woman, "Then I'll let your visitor know that you'll be downstairs in a couple of minutes?" asked Iroh.
Katara moved her index finger from left to right, "Actually, I think I'll go down there right now; I'm already finished prepping myself up." said Katara as she raised her arms up and slapped them down to her sides.
Iroh smiled, "Very well then; follow me." said Iroh as he proceeded to exit the young Water Tribe woman's room.
Katara followed Iroh down the hallway and down the stairs to meet this mystery person. She couldn't help but wonder who could be downstairs waiting for her at such an unexpected time. She was beginning to feel a bit nervous as they continued down the stairs, Iroh silent throughout the whole way. They finally made it down and Katara noticed a young woman sitting down by herself on a small table; her eyes drifting as if she were looking into space. Katara began to feel nervous as she analyzed the young woman, then noticed her short, light brown hair and it's red tints as the sun beamed onto it. She also noticed her outfit; a pair of long, fitted dark green pants with a tightly fit pale green blouse along with muddy green flats. Iroh soon intervened as Katara began to depart from his side and walk towards the stranger, "I'll leave you two alone." said Iroh quietly; Katara turned around to meet the man that's been so hospitable to her, "But don't we have to open the shop soon?" asked Katara. Iroh soon responded, "Eh don't worry, our customers aren't going anywhere." said Iroh happily. It sent Katara great comfort to hear Iroh refer the people who come and go from the tea shop as her customers as well as his. Her face looked to Iroh's comfortably as he went up the stairs and disappeared from sight. Katara's focus then turned to desolate woman. Katara thought she looked familiar, but wasn't sure, "It can't be, what's she doing here?" asked Katara to herself as she finally approached her mystery visitor.
"Suki, is that you?" asked Katara.
The young woman then raised herself from her chair to face Katara and smiled, "Surprised to see me?" asked Suki.
Katara's eyes watered, "Suki! It's really you!" exclaimed Katara excitedly as she dove into Suki's arms, embracing her old friend as tears ran down her cheeks.
Suki returned her hold, "It's so good to see you Katara." Said Suki.
They soon parted from each other and Suki noticed the tears flowing down her cheeks, "Hey what's wrong?" said Suki as she chuckled, " I know it's been a couple of months since we've last seen each other." said an understanding Suki.
Katara smiled at her friend as she wiped her tears with her index finger, "Yeah, I know. It's just that, it's so nice to see an old friend." said Katara as she took a seat in the same table that she just met Suki in, gesturing that her friend take a seat.
Suki placed her hand on Katara's shoulder, "I know." said Suki warmly as she took a seat across from Katara.
Katara broke the silence between them, "How did you find me?" asked Katara.
Suki watched herself fiddle with her fingers as if trying to avoid the subject, "Well, I didn't know exactly where you were at first, but….Aang, Sokka and I kind of figured you might be here." said Suki, hoping that she didn't strike a post-breakup nerve on Katara, looking up nervously at her friend.
Katara noticed her friend's uncomfortable state at mentioning her ex's name in her presence, then smiled, "Suki, it's ok." said Katara warmly. "Really, I'm alright." finished Katara as she rested her hands on top of the table in front of her.
Suki looked at Katara in disbelief, "Huh? So you're not…you know….emotional about Aang?" asked Suki as she raised her brow.
Katara's smile turned into a stern expression, "Believe me, I was destroyed; It wasn't something I expected, but I came to terms with the situation….and let it go." said Katara peacefully.
Suki's nervousness suddenly took a one eighty and she felt happy and relieved for her friend, "I feel very happy for you Katara, you have no idea. Heheh, Come to think of it, I was a bit nervous about coming here." said Suki.
Katara gave Suki a baffled expression, "Why's that?" asked Katara as she crossed her legs.
Suki didn't know how to respond without hurting Katara's feelings, "I just, didn't know if you would be alright. I thought you'd be, you know, upset and depressed." said Suki.
Katara humphed as she crossed her arms and looked away from the former Kioshi Warrior in front of her, "Pfft Please, yeah the breakup did take it's toll, and there was a time that I struggled with coming to terms with it." said Katara as her boisterous tone turned serious, "I couldn't let it ruin my future. I decided to take action and…move on." finished Katara.
Suki marveled and smiled at Katara after hearing her say those words. It sent a wave of relief through her body in knowing that she came to her friend's aid in just the right time.
"Wow Katara, you have it all figured out huh?" asked Suki.
Katara smiled haphazardly, "Yeah, I'd like to think I do." said Katara as she let out a light chuckle.
Suki smile soon turned on itself as her eyes drifted back to her fingers, fidgeting them once again. Katara took quick notice to Suki's nervousness and began to become incredibly curious as to why she was really there.
Katara's voice converted to a comforting tone, "Suki, you're not here to just check on me are you?" asked Katara as she lent her friend her hand.
Suki glanced at Katara's gesture and complied, giving her her hand in return, "Well, actually, I'm here for another reason." said Suki, her eyes beginning to swell with tears.
Katara then received hint as to what might have happened to Suki; she hesitated to bring up the subject, but knew it was the only way to help her friend feel better, "Suki, did you…and my brother…end?" asked a concerned Katara.
Suki's tears began to trail her blushed cheek as she trembled, "Well, actually…..he asked me to BE HIS WIFE!." said a happily excited Suki.
Katara gasped as her somber face soon beamed with joy, "Oh my goodness! He asked you!" asked a jolly Katara.
Suki's eyes continued to tear, "Yes, he asked me about 4 days ago; I was so excited that I just had to run to Ba Sing Se and tell you myself!" said an excited Suki.
Katara's heart swelled with happiness; She knew very well that her brother and Suki loved each other very much, but wasn't sure if Sokka would pop the question anytime soon. Katara jumped from her chair and embraced her new sister-in-law to be.
"Suki, you have no idea how happy I am for you; this is the best news I've gotten in a long, long time." Said Katara as she let her friend go and looked her in the eye.
Suki smiled, relieved that Katara didn't hold any grudge against her. After all, her input on her future with Sokka was just as important as the rest of the family's, just as their friendship is based on trust. And Suki was glad, glad that she can trust Katara in having her blessing.
"Sigh, I'm so happy Katara; I love him so much." said Suki, "He proposed to me in a most unexpected way; it was so romantic." finished Suki as she stared dreamily to the ceiling; her fingers entwined as she held them close to her face.
Katara observed her friend as she felt a sense of relief coarse through her; for a second she thought that Sokka had ended his relationship with Suki, and that Suki came to see her to seek comfort. Not that she didn't want to give Suki comfort, heaven forbid, but what comfort can she provide to her old friend, especially if Suki assumed she was still suffering over her break-up with Aang? "sigh, what a relief." thought Katara to herself.
Suki's attention soon focused on Katara, "Alright, enough about me" Suki's beaming face soon turned a little sinister, "So, how's your man-hunt goin' on huh?" asked Suki as she nudged her old friend on the shoulder.
Katara blushed, "Well, there's this guy…" said Katara bashfully as she curled a thick strand of her hair on her index finger.
Suki gasped, "Oh my goodness, what's his name?" asked Suki, a devilish grin still planted on her face.
Katara began to feel a bit intimidated by her friend's forwardness, "Uh his names' Lee." said Katara as she smiled and played with her hair, wrapping a strand on her finger.
Suki wasn't having just "Lee" as an answer and decided to dig deeper, "Uh huh, Lee, sounds cute." said Suki devilishly as Katara blushed at the notion, "Well, have you two been…you know…..yet?" asked Suki.
Katara's face turned beet red at Suki's question, "Well uh…no, but…i-it's not like I don't want to…" stuttered Katara shyly as Suki continued to dig deeper.
Suki placed her index finger on her chin as she contemplated her reply, "Well….yeah, I guess it's too early in your relationship to think about that." said Suki, "But it's not like you and Aang-" Suki immediately stopped herself as she noticed Katara's face go from bashfully pleasant to sour in a span of a millisecond.
Suki quickly tried damage control, "I'm sorry Katara; we don't have to talk about this if you don't want to." said an assuring Suki.
Katara sighed, "No, no I want to talk about this; I've been avoiding this issue of intimacy even with Aang when we were together. I don't want to make that same mistake again, not this time." said Katara.
Suki smiled comfortingly to her friend, "I'm listening." said Suki.
Katara smiled in return, "I….was always afraid Suki, afraid of giving Aang my most personal treasure." said Katara sincerely, "I somehow made sense of the thought that if I continued to dodge being physically intimate with him, I would know if he really wanted to be with me for me, and not for a physical reason; you could say I was insecure." said Katara.
Suki took in what Katara just explained, "So, is that why you guys argued all the time?" asked Suki.
Katara gave her friend a surprised look, "No no no it, it wasn't that." Said Katara as she waved her hands; she then relaxed and continued on, "I guess that, along the line of our relationship, I became this control freak. It started off with where to go, then who to see and when *sigh*. " huffed Katara.
Suki held her head up with her fist as she listened attentively to her close friend.
"I messed up." continued Katara as she closed her eyes, "I figured that controlling him would somehow keep him, but instead, I pushed him away." said Katara. "And pushed him to someone else." finished Katara as she bent her chin down to her chest.
Suki's eyes widened at Katara's last sentence, "Wait a minute wait a minute; Are you saying that he LEFT you to be with SOMEONE ELSE?" exclaimed Suki.
Katara raised her head and opened her eyes as she looked at her friend somberly, "…Yes…" said Katara.
Suki gave Katara an astonished look, "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry Katara." said Suki sincerely.
Katara's sadness soon faded away, "Really Suki, it's ok." said Katara as she smiled at Suki, "Why don't we change the subject huh?" asked Katara.
Suki glanced at her friend, "Alright then." complied Suki. "So did Aang tell you about some Fire Nation dance that's going on?" asked Suki.
Katara hesitated, "Well, not exactly." said Katara.
Suki gave Katara a confused look, "Huh?" said Suki.
Katara rubbed her arm bashfully, "Well, I've kind of already been invited before Aang got here, by LEE!" said Katara excitedly.
Suki gasped at Katara's surprise, "What? Get out of here. You mean he already asked you? That is just too sweet." said Suki as she gave Katara goo goo eyes.
Katara giggled as she playfully punched her friend on the shoulder, "I know, you should've seen him. He looked so scared, as if I was to say no." continued Katara as she placed her hand on the table in front of her, "But I told him I would go with him." said Katara both slyly and dreamily.
Katara and Suki both giggled as they jumped from their chairs; their hands still embracing as they continued to jump up and down in excitement over Katara's new love interest.
Suki attempted to bring them both down from all of the commotion, "Okay okay okay, so I'll be going with Sokka to the dance, and you'll be going with Lee." contemplated Suki, "And since Aang said that the whole gang was invited, I take it Toph will be there, but will she bring a date?" asked Suki as she glanced at her friend; Katara gave an unknowing gesture as she raised her shoulders up.
Suki stretched her thumb and index finger and laid them around her chin and jawline as she began to ponder her thoughts, "Hmmm" said Suki as she squinted her eyes into nothingness.
Katara just watched Suki as she stared blankly into nothing.
"I GOT IT!" said Suki
Katara was startled by Suki's shout, "What is it?" asked Katara.
Suki turned to face Katara, index finger is in the air, "The dance in in the beginning of the following year, which gives us four of months, right?" asked Suki.
Katara looked at her friend with a baffled look on her face, "Yeah?" answered Katara.
Suki then ran to her friend's side and embraced her by her shoulder, "Well, why don't the three of us, you me and Toph, go to the Fire Nation? And we look for our outfits there to wear to the dance?" asked Suki.
Katara was stunned by her friend's bold idea, "What! And Sokka's okay with you just taking leave?" asked a worried Katara.
Suki chuckled, "Don't worry Katara, Sokka and I already planned everything out days ago, I just need your 'ok' and we'll be on our way." said Suki comfortingly.
Katara thought about it for about a minute, still a bit indecisive, "What makes you think that Toph will come with us?" asked Katara as she crossed her arms and raised her brow.
Suki then hesitated, "You know, I didn't really think of that." said Suki as she placed her hand on her hip, "But come on we're all friends; it's not like we're some strangers that are coming to abduct the helpless blind girl." pleaded Suki cluelessly.
Katara was suddenly reminded of Toph's parents. She has never forgotten how overprotective they were, and still are, to her friend, and how they are constantly under her skin for every little thing she did that they didn't deem lady-like. She knew that taking Toph would only agitate her relationship between she and her parents; that's not something she wanted to do, and was beginning to think that taking her old friend on their journey wasn't such a good idea.
Katara walked away from her friend, "I don't know Suki; I really don't want to risk Toph's relationship with her family by bringing her with us on a clothing-capade." finished Katara.
Suki raised her eyebrow at her friend, "Katara, think of it as a favor for our old friend; You and I both know how much she hates being incarcerated in that house. We'll just come up with a plan to convince her parents to let her come with us, to do humanitarian work!" said Suki with a huge grin on her face and fists on her hips.
Katara raised her eyebrow at Suki, "Really, humanitarian work?" said Katara sarcastically.
Suki got on her knees and made a prayer stance, "Come on Katara, Let's plan a time, just for us girls. Let's leave the usual routine and take a different route, have fun." said Suki comfortingly.
Katara thought about it, "It does sound like a lot of fun." thought Katara to herself as she observed her friend's puppy dog eyes, "And if we go to the Fire Nation, I can visit Lee whenever I want." finished Katara. She observed Suki's pout as she sighed, then let out a determined smile and chuckled, "Alright then, we'll plan a girl's outing, just the three of us." said Katara.
Suki got up from her stance eagerly and embraced Katara, "This'll be fun, and good for us." said Suki. They soon let go, Katara acceding to Suki's request.
"So, what do you say we pack your things and get going?" asked Suki, nodding her head towards the stairs.
Katara's face was overwritten in surprise, "What! Now! But-but I just started working here." exclaimed Katara.
Suki approached her friend, "Katara, you only live once; besides, there's nothing wrong with taking a personal vacation." said Suki as she smiled at the young Water Tribe woman.
Katara thought for a moment, then smiled and nodded in compliance; She then led Suki up the stairs and into her room. Katara began to rummage through her dresser to try and find some light clothing to bring on her journey.
"All right, here's a Fire Nation outfit that I bought last year." said Katara as she continued to sort out her clothing, "Oh and this scarf-"
Suki immediately placed her index finger on Katara's lips, "Just, relax. Pack lightly; we don't want to bring too much. Besides, I'm pretty sure we'll just buy more clothes there anyway." said Suki as she smiled at Katara and let go of her pin on her lips.
Katara sighed, "Okay, you're right." Said Katara as she packed her only Fire Nation outfit, with shoes to match, an extra pair of bindings, her hair brush and some hair bands and pins, "All right, I'm ready to go." finished Katara.
Suki then moved her hand to her direction, "Then come on, we only have about twenty minutes until the ship departs to the Fire Nation." said Suki.
Katara nodded in compliance, but soon realized something, someone she had forgotten, "Wait, I can't leave yet." said Katara. Suki gave Katara a discombobulated look, "I have to say goodbye to Iroh." said Katara.
Suki immediately understood and allowed Katara to walk out towards Iroh's room. She then knocked on his door.
*knock knock* Iroh?" said Katara.
"I'll be right there" said Iroh.
Katara was a bit nervous about telling him about her sudden leave, but that sudden feeling of nervousness duplicated when he opened the door.
"Yes, Katara?" asked Iroh.
Katara hesitated a bit, "Iroh, I…uh…." said Katara, unable to finish her ply, and unable to look Iroh face to face.
Iroh raised his eyebrow as he immediately noticed some of Katara's thing packed tightly under her arm. He then moved his eyes towards Katara and smiled, "Go ahead." permitted Iroh.
Katara and Suki's eyes widened, "You, you mean that, I can go?" asked Katara.
Iroh chuckled, "Of course you can child. Have fun; your room and your job will still be here waiting for you when you get back." said Iroh warmly.
Katara didn't know what to say. A simple 'thank you' wasn't enough to merit the kind of thanks that Iroh deserved for his generosity and understanding since the day she first arrived to Ba Sing Se. She immediately gave the old man a hug; Iroh soon returned the embrace and let her go.
"Don't worry, go on and enjoy yourselves." said Iroh as he chuckled to the two young women.
Katara looked right into Iroh's eyes, "Thank You." said Katara.
Iroh gave her a sweet smile and watched as the young Water Tribe woman and her friend disappeared and chased after their new journey.
After several days of travel, Aang and Appa finally reached the Fire Nation; they soon spotted the sandy beaches that was the coast of the mainland and decided to land on the soft, white, mineral rich sand below. Aang jumped off Appa's back and landed on top of the soft sand, taking in a deep breath of the cool breeze blowing through his robes. He then turned his attention towards the small house that harbored the person he's been missing for so many weeks, ready and willing to snatch her by the waist and give her a giant hug. He approached the door of the small house and knocked.
Soon after, Onji appeared on the door, "Aang? Aang!" screeched Onji as she ran out and jumped into Aang's arms. She then lightly slipped from their embrace and landed a kiss on his lips. Aang was pleased with the kiss and complied, tightly holding her in his embrace, and just as swiftly, letting go. Onji observed Aang's hesitation in confusion.
"Onji, I need to go see Zuko." said Aang.
Onji raised her eyebrow at Aang, "What? But you just got here." said Onji.
Aang looked away from the young Fire Nation woman's face, "There's some things we need to talk about." said Aang, turning his head to face her once again, giving her a reassuring smile.
Onji smiled in return, understanding that his duties come before anything else, and unwilling to push him away, "Of course." said Onji warmly as she let go of her grip on Aang.
Aang passed his thumb on her cheek as the sun glistened on her entire body, as if she was made out of gold, "I'll see you when I get back." said Aang.
Onji nodded in compliance as she backed away to give Aang space to take off.
And with a swift gesture, Aang opened his glider and took to the air and straight to the Fire Lord's palace. Aang watched the buzzing market below him as he approached closer to his destination, observing even the smallest children, making him ponder over his 'ultimate duty'.
"Sigh, this is not the way I expected things to happen." said Aang to himself as he continued to fly over the edge of the plaza, finally reaching the gates of the Palace. He continued to glide past the gates and the Fire Nation guards until he reached the private garden located on the back of the palace, spinning his glider as he descended from the sky above and landed on the well-kept lawn below. Aang stopped for a moment and took in the scenery, wondering where to look for Zuko first, but luckily, he didn't have to look far, for he found Zuko, sitting under a shady tree and observing the beautiful monumental fountain before him. Zuko took notice of the unexpected visitor located on his right and turned to find Aang approaching him.
"Hey Zuko." said Aang.
Zuko looked away from the young Avatar, "Oh, hey Aang." said a disinterested Zuko, still gazing at the beautiful fountain.
Aang took a seat next to his friend, wondering why he was staring at the fountain in front of him, "Uh, why are you staring at the fountain?" asked Aang.
Zuko pondered his thoughts, "It's not really the fountain that I'm concentrating on." said Zuko cryptically.
Aang then looked at Zuko, baffled and a bit weirded out by his response, "Well, what are you looking at?" asked Aang.
Zuko placed his right hand on the soft grass below him, "I'm just…watching, watching as the water magesticly flows from the top of the fountain." Continued Zuko, "It's beautiful wouldn't you say?" asked Zuko.
Aang raised his eyebrow and then looked at the fountain closely, "Yeah, I guess." said Aang as he rubbed his thigh.
Zuko then took a sigh and continued to analyze the fountain, "I mean, two beautiful displays are merged into one; the fountain, carefully and elegantly carved into a silhouette of beauty set in stone. And water, giving the stone such a sense of gentleness and fragility; can't you see that?" asked a frustrated Zuko.
Aang took a deep breath and concentrated on Zuko's parable, and soon noticed what Zuko was insinuating, "Yeah, now that you mention it, two different elements, two different entities; they merge, merge into one." said Aang just as cryptically.
Zuko then placed his arm on his horizontally bent knee, "I want Mai, to have my children." said Zuko, feeling a bit embarrassed at saying this personal thought aloud.
Aang turned his attention to his old friend and watched him in concern, "Zuko, is this what Mai wants?" asked Aang as he smiled.
Zuko looked away from the young Avatar, "I, don't know; I mean, I've tried to bring it up but sigh, it's just so hard." said Zuko as he balled his hand and yanked some grass, "I mean, what if she doesn't want to?" feared Zuko.
Aang smiled at his old friend, "Hey, just talk to her; tell her your wants and see if you're both on the same page." said a confident Aang as he placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder.
Zuko looked up to see Mai walking by the court entrance, unknowingly having past Zuko and Aang as she disappeared into the deep crimson corridors inside the palace, " I don't know, I want to bring it up, but I don't want to be too brash and push her away." said Zuko as he threw the grass he pulled earlier to his side. "I want to be as discrete as possible, just so I don't get my hopes up." said Zuko as he grinned at Aang.
Aang grinned in return and decided to change the touchy subject, "So, any word on Azula?" asked a concerned Aang.
Zuko nodded, "No, nothing." said Zuko as he punched the ground. "She's just too evasive, too cunning. There hasn't been any report of murder anywhere in any of the Nations. I know she planned this, I can feel it; she trying to avoid being caught and is being elusive so as not to leave a lead to follow from." finished Zuko as he placed his hand on his forehead.
Aang listened on to Zuko in disappointment, punching his own hand, "Ugh, no surprise there." said Aang sarcastically, "I wonder if she's planning anything." said Aang as he relaxed his thumb and index finger on his jawline.
Zuko pushed his shoulders up, "I don't know; she could be, or maybe she just escaped to start a new life, who knows?" said Zuko as he stood up and stretched. "But then again, this is Azula. We can't take any chances with her, and take any necessary measures to make sure she doesn't terrorize people's lives." finished Zuko as he offered his hand to Aang.
Aang looked pleased as he extended his arm and grabbed Zuko's hand tight; Zuko pulling him to a standing position. "She'll be caught; if anything, let me know and I'll make sure I find her myself." said a determined Aang.
Zuko smiled in compliance, "Of course." said Zuko, "I'd better see you at my event, by the way" implied Zuko as he chuckled.
Aang chuckled as well, "You know I'll be there, but I have a question about that." asked Aang as he and Zuko walked out of the court, "I just wanted to know, why is it that this party is adult only?" asked a truly confused Aang.
Zuko gave a small grin, "Well, I don't want to give too much away, but this event won't exactly be appropriate for small children." declared Zuko.
Aang looked baffled, "Why not?" asked Aang.
Zuko then stopped as he faced Aang, "Don't worry about it; It'll be great, I promise. I won't put any you or anyone else in danger, you know that." finished Zuko comfortingly.
Aang smiled warmly at Zuko, "Heh yeah, I guess I'm just worrying over nothing." chuckled a relieved Aang, "Well, I'd better go." said Aang as he gestured his head to the opening to entrance of the Palace.
Zuko nodded in agreement, and soon after Aang ran through the dark corridors until he reached the entrance to the palace, spinning himself into the air as he opened his glider and flew straight into the horizon.
Aang continued to fly as he took a whiff of his underarms, "Wooh, I need another bath." said Aang as he finally reached the sandy beach; he noticed Appa below, being fed wild fruits native to the Fire Nation by Onji and descended from the sky; he then walked over to the two most important people in his life, "I'm back." said Aang.
Onji looked at the handsome Avatar as she gave her last fruit to the giant Sky Bison, Appa grunting happily, "I see." said Onji seductively, "Staying the night?" asked Onji.
Aang approached the beautiful young woman, "Well, actually, I was thinking about staying a bit longer." said Aang lovingly as he drew closer to her, grabbing her waist tightly.
Onji blushed, "Well, you can stay as long as you like." said Onji as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Aang blushed, but suddenly, his thoughts flashed to Katara, wearing her skin tight night gown. He immediately backed away and turned from Onji; placing his hand on his forehead as he twisted his face as if in some sort of pain.
His action placed Onji in a state of confusion and concern, "Aang, is everything alright?" asked Onji.
Aang placed his free hand on the small of his back as his other hand traveled down the back of his head, "Uh, yeah I'm alright. I just…have a small headache." said a worried looking Aang.
Onji raised her brow and grabbed his arm, "Here, let's go inside; I just finished feeding Appa so you don't have to worry about taking care of him tonight." Said Onji lovingly, "Come on, I'll make you some hot tea to ease your headache." said Onji caringly as she led Aang to her small home.
Aang complied and gave her a reassuring smile as he followed her, his face still etched with an uncomfortable expression over the image that skimmed through his head a few moments ago.
Stay Tuned...