Book 4 Air

Chapter 16 News

Part 1

The sound of seagulls crying out was heard against the powerful waves crashing on the beach. The birds then took flight as they flew above the summer home of the two councils. The view of the tea room outside the balcony was seen as Katara walked in.

"Please have a seat, Miss Katara…" Lo said.

Katara looked down at the tatami flooring; she then removed her boots and placed them on the wooden floor. She then walked along the mat to the short table. As she started to sit down Lo started to speak, "Hold on Miss Katara…" Lo said as she pulled out a strange box.

"What is it?" asked the waterbender as she stood up.

"This special mat is for our most honored guests…Here we go…" Lo said as she placed the bamboo mat on the floor.

Katara thanked the woman as she sat down. Scooting slightly forward, the waterbender tried to get comfortable on the rough mat.

Its brittle edges and coated sticks felt like they were scarping Katara's knees every time she moved.

'I'll just have to not move my legs…yea…I can do that…' Katara thought with confidence…

After finishing her third cup of tea, Katara holding back a long sigh as she watched the old elderly women continue drinking their cups.

Placing their cups down, they both folded their arms underneath their long sleeves. Li opened her slanted eyes and looked at the waterbender. She noticed that Katara was straining herself to remain seated in the same position on her knees. It was taking a toll on her legs.

"If you like, Miss Katara you are free to sit any way you choose…" Li said with a kind gesture.

Katara thinned her lips, "Oh, no that's quite alright…" Katara said as she tried her hardest not to whimper out. 'Stupid mat…my legs are getting all prickly…wah…I can't feel my right leg…it went numb.' Katara whined in her head over the near unbearable feeling in her legs.

Lo and Li both smiled at one another.

"Congratulations Miss Katara you've pass the first test…" Lo said.

Katara blinked, "Uh? I did, how?" asked the confused waterbender.

"You show us you have the strength to withstand our commands, and continue them. You also told us that you would fine, when of course we knew the effect that the mat would bring…" Li said.

"Yet you fought the urge and stood strong…Like a true Fire Nation woman…" Lo said finishing Li's sentence.

Katara blushed at the old woman's words.

"You may remove the mat, Miss Katara…" Li said.

'Thank goodness…' Katara thought as she took the mat off and rested her legs underneath the table.

"Now that you've endured the physically task, you shall now face your second challenge." Lo said seriously.

Katara lightly gulped…

'Oohh…what now?' Katara thought nervously.


"WHAT?!" exclaimed the Fire Lord.

"Forgive us Sire…We thought it would have been best to inform you after the Maiden Ceremony, and-

"When something as serious as my sister is involved you report it to me immediately!" yelled the outraged Lord.

"Yes Sire…" said the guard ashamed as he bowed he head.

"Where was she last seen?" asked Zuko as he stared down at the guard.

"I believe near the Boys Martial Arts Academy, Sire…" the guard said hesitantly.

"What?! She's in the city?" Zuko yelled out.

"I expected better of the Lieutenant and his men…" growled Zuko as he then placed his hands on the desk and took a deep breath.

"Send for Private Shun and his two guards. I want a full lockdown in the city, warn everyone of the potential danger." Zuko ordered.

"Yes, Fire Lord Zuko…" the guard said as he left the room.

Zuko turned his head and looked out the window, 'What now?' thought Zuko as his eyes narrowed…


A small Inn came into a view as two women entered into a room.

"But why me?" asked Aeron as she watch Azula remove her hood.

"Because I need your skills…In return I'll clear your name…deal?" Azula said with a smirk.

Aeron narrowed her eyes, she knew Azula's reputation and what she was capable of…Yet the deal was too good…She couldn't refuse.

"What do you want me to do…?" Aeron asked.

"I want you to free the previous Fire Lord…Fire Lord Ozai." Azula said.

Aeron's eyes slightly widen. She then thought about something, turning her head she stared at the ex princess intently.

"Then if I do it…Will you allow me…To take your brother's life?" Aeron said seriously.

Azula smirked, "I can see you desire revenge…That's good…" Azula said coldly with a wicked chuckle.

"Yes, you may do what you like with my brother-Of course I have other plans in store for his wrench…That filthy water peasant…" Azula said.

Aeron narrowed her eyes enigmatically, 'Is it right for me to do this? Could I do this…? Knowing the cost of others lives…?' Aeron thought deeply as she watched Azula place her hood back on and open the door.

"I'll be back, I need to get a few things…Tell the owner we'll rent the room for one more night…" Azula said as she left.

Aeron then sighed as she sat on the bed, removing her gloves, then her boots.

'What could she gain for freeing her father?' Aeron thought as she closed her eyes.


Sorry this chapter is shorter than usual…I'll have the next part up soon. Please review and tell me what you think!!