Book 4 Air

Chapter 28

The small squeaks and clicks of the rickety wheels continued to spin as the carriage pulled along the stone road. Aang sat against the small cushioned seat as he looked out the window. Evening was setting in as the day stretched on late as street lights flickered in the dark background of the Earth Kingdom. Looking back down in his lap, holding in his hands was a small velvet case of brown and black material. Looking down he opened the box and smiled, 'When I see her again, I'll give this to her.' Aang thought to himself happily thinking of the petite earthbender.

Noticing the familiar trees and fence along the outskirts of the town, Aang then closed the case and placed it in a pocket underneath his robe. The carriage hauled to a complete stop as the man opened the door for the Avatar. "Your bison has arrive, Sir Avatar." The man said with a bow.

Aang nodded his head as he hopped out of the carriage. Looking up he smiled at the flying beast. It seemed Appa was well taken care of during his absence. The animal's fur was cleaned and brushed, along with a new saddle on his back.

"Thanks for taking care of Appa." Aang said with gratitude as he walked up and petted the bison's nose.

"You shall be meeting the Terra Team inside the Blasios Bistro." The guard said as he pointed to the small restaurant behind Aang.

"Alright, thanks again." Aang said as he turned and walked into the building.

Once inside Aang was confronted by a tall lean gentleman who clasped his hands together and smiled.

"Hello, we've been expecting you. Come, come. This way…" the owner said talking with a lisp.

Aang nodded his head as he was seat in front of four men. All dressed in olive green robes and light coffee colored pants. Looking ahead, Aang saw a noticeable thick leather belt of the nation's state emblem of the Earth Kingdom icon. It was worn on one of the men symbolizing his highest rank and leadership. The man nodded his head down as he lightly rubbed his sharply pointed brown beard, the man spoke with a stern voice, "You are late to our arranged meeting, young Avatar." The man said with slight disappointment.

"Yea, sorry about that. I had to escort Toph Bei Fong to her home." Aang said being truthful to the generals.

Three of the men lightly snickered as their leader smiled, "Escorting a young maiden to her estate? Such courtesies and cultured manners for a common monk." The man said slightly insulting yet complimenting the boy at the same time.

Aang blinked unsure how to take the man's statement; he lowered his head staring at the drink that was offered to him by a waiter.

Lifting his head up, Aang started to speak, "So when will I see the Earth King?" the airbender asked.

"We will leave once General Sung has sent his orders. He is one out of the five Councils in command, along with General How. They are both high-ranking officers, and have elite forces of guards who protect the king. I am certain there will be no trouble once we leave?" the man asked the airbender.

"Oh no, not at all." Aang said with reassurance as he waved his hands in defense.

"Very good, we will have some tea while we wait." The man said as he settled in his chair.


Aboard one of the huge metal vessel, a woman dressed in Kyoshi attire sighed deeply as she looked out of the slowly disappearing harbor of the Fire Nation. "What's wrong Suki?" Sokka asked his sweetheart as she turned her head to him.

"I just feel a little bad, I am their leader and I've left them. Chaos has happened, and my people needed me." Suki said as she lowered her head.

"It's not all back, Suki. We're going back to makes things right again. Besides at least we were able to have a nice little vacation again. So don't worry. I'll be with you all the way." Sokka said trying to cheer up the slightly depressed warrior.

"Hmm, I guess you're right Sokka. Thank you." Suki said as she kissed him on the cheek lightly.

Both Sokka and Suki embraced one another as they watched the romantic scene of the nearly full moon rising high slightly hidden behind dark rain clouds as they drifted lazily across the starlit sky. Thinking softly Suki spoke out her concerning thoughts, "I wonder why we had to leave this late at night." Suki said to herself.

"It's because of the weather. Another storm should be coming in again. It's best to leave as soon as possible before it hits. At least that's what the Captain said while I was in my cabin." Sokka said as he pulled Suki close.

"Mmm, that's good to know." Suki said as she rested her head on Sokka's shoulder.


Walking up to the large mirror, Katara blushed. It was a new kimono that Ming picked out for her to wear. The dress's deep mauve surface was decorated with a magical damask design of peonies, Japanese citrus, chrysanthemums, pine, plum blossoms, bamboo, paulownia and wisteria. Wrapping itself around this garden, ribbons of patterned fabric mix with royal serene bridge arches over flowing golden water. The red obi was tightly wrapped around her waist four times then neatly tucked behind her in a fashionable bow. Her hair was down hugging against her heart-shaped face. She felt more and more like a princess the more she wore the beautiful outfits.

"You look lovely…" Ming said as she brushed out the waterbender's hair.

"Thank you, Ming." Katara said as she smiled.

Ming then walked in front of Katara and painted her lips with a vermillion colored lipstick against the handle brush of bristles. "There, you are ready." Ming said as she stepped back.

"Shall I escort you to the dining hall?" Ming asked as Katara slipped on two small arched dark violet shoes with high buttons trimmed on the side then up to the ankle. Wobbling a bit as she walked, Katara could never understand high heeled shoes and their purpose.

Finally getting used to her footing Katara then turned and shook her head, "That won't be necessary Ming, I remember the location of the dining quarters." Katara said as she left her room thanking Ming.

Walking down the vast red hallways, Katara managed to enter through to the dining hall. There she was greeted by two guards who opened the two massive red oak doors for her. Once inside she nearly gasped at the sight of the Fire Lord.

The lord's kimono was stunningly detailed with a black background and traced with two dragons etched in shimmering gold, silver and red embroidery. The two dragon claws graces the front of the robe and a stunning embellished color featured completely down the back. His armor was light and settled over his shoulders and a long golden sash tied around his waist glistened in the candle light.

"Come Katara. Please sit down and make yourself comfortable." Zuko said as he walked towards her. He then stopped and noticed the way she moved with a natural grace that would be the envy of any noble born girl he's ever known. Her long sleeves dragged along her slender waist as the colors enhanced the beauty of her skin and features. He was speechless her movements elegantly made their way to him. Smiling with light concern she stared at the teen boy's reaction as his mouth lightly gaped open. She giggled and asked if he was alright. Bringing him back from the blank stare, Zuko lightly coughed as his cheek tinted a visible redness. "Sit here." Zuko offered as Katara thanked him, seating herself in the chair.

Once seated in his own chair Zuko complimented the girl's dress, "You look beautiful." Zuko said as he kept his gaze else where.

"Thank you." Katara said sheepishly as the door suddenly opened with servants.

Placing trays of food down for the two people, Katara was smiling as she noticed no one else was at the table.

'Tonight I get to relax and spend time with Zuko…' Katara thought as she smiled to herself.


The dish was lightly topped with tasty ginger and rice wine marinade in chicken with the onion and tomato slices. Katara awed at the meal in front of her. "This looks delicious!" the girl exclaimed.

"Yes, the flavor is lighter than the previous meal you had. I told the chef to take it easy on the spices. I hope it pleases you." Zuko said as he took a sip of red wine.

Looking up at Zuko, Katara smiled. It was really considerate of Zuko to be thinking about her. "Thank you…" the girl said as she picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the tender meat.

The taste was delicate and fresh, Katara lightly moaned as she chewed. "This is so good." Katara said as she swallowed her food.

Zuko smiled and lightly chuckled, he was happy to please the waterbender.

After they finished their meal, Zuko took Katara to the Southern wing of the palace. A small room decorated with red walls and a high golden ceiling with a copper chandelier of six candles lighting the room. A loveseat of black swayed and satin red was leaned against the wall with a long table next to it. Zuko led Katara to the couch then sat next to her quietly. Holding her hand, Katara blushed at Zuko's bold move. Looking up into his eyes she nearly gasped. There was so much emotion in his molten depths. "Zu-ko?" Katara managed to say as he continued to stare almost lovingly at the girl.

"Katara…I…I just wanted you to know. That no matter what happens. I will always be there for you." Zuko said as he raised Katara's slender hand and kissed it affectionately.

Katara blushed deeply as she nodded her head, "And so will I!" Katara said quickly as Zuko chuckled.

A serious expression then laced across his fine features, opening his eyes he then spoke again. "I understand that you possible still have mixed feelings about this marriage but, I will support you, whatever decision you make." Zuko said as he tightened his grip on the girl's palm.

"Zuko…" Katara said softly.

She was so grateful for his support and kindness; it almost seems hard to believe of how he was in the past. Zuko really has change. While Katara was lost in her thought Zuko quietly admired her.

He looked intently into the waterbender's brilliant blue eyes. Two pools of emotion and depth. Zuko then looked down, gazing at her dark skin tone and her chest as it slowly rose then fell back as she breathe.

'She's so beautiful…' Zuko thought no longer denying his growing affection for the girl.

His eyes lifted up back, gazing at her lovely face. Her cheeks were a light pink, Zuko wasn't sure if it was the make-up or if she was just blushing yet either way she still looked amazingly cute. Her lips were lightly parted, plump and luscious soft. Zuko couldn't help but licks his own lips as his mouth gone dry. Zuko thought to himself as he has come to realize of the many things about Katara that he truly admired.

Her strength; and strong will. Her powerful yet elegant skills as a bender; her soft feminine features both erotic and exotic. Her long flowing brown hair and mocha colored skin. Her kindness and motherly care towards her friends and to others. Even her personality was something to admire as she sometimes was unpredictable. She is also very passionate and respects herself and others. Katara is everything Zuko wanted in a girl. Something he now thinks Mai never really had.

Is it right to feel this way? Zuko thought as he then saw a slender hand reach out to him. Looking up he then smiled softly. "Are you alright?" Katara asked. Her deep blue eyes glistened with worry.

"Yes, I am…" Zuko said as he reached out and cupped her cheek. Her eyes widened then soften as she then rested her face against Zuko's palm. Zuko was pleased she did not reject his affection as she then placed her hand over his.

"Zuko…" Katara whispered as his name escaped her lips like the soft caress of silk.

Zuko's cheeks flared red against his porcelain skin, "Y-Yes?" Zuko asked as she looked at him. Leaning over Katara unclipped his royal ornament from his bun. Releasing his hair down as it ruffled over his eyebrows and part of the scarred side of his face. She then slowly lengthens her hand out lightly touching his scar.

"Tell me…What do you think of me?" Katara asked honestly as her cheeks heated up.

Closing his eyes, then opening them slowly he smiled, as he started to lean towards her. Katara froze as he continued to inch closer to her face. Stopping near her lips, Zuko wanted to. He wanted to kiss her so badly he was screaming in his mind. Yet his body stopped him, his heart stopped him. Failing to kiss her he then rested his head on her shoulder. Exhaling a small waste of air, Zuko closed his eyes.

"Zuko?" Katara started to say as the Fire Lord spoke.

"I…I like you." Zuko said as he then braced himself, sitting back to his spot looking at the girl.

"I admire you, Katara. You're really such an amazing person." Zuko said meaning every word.

"Zuko…" Katara said softly as she blushed.

"Yet, I know if I told you how I truly felt. It will make things only harder for me in the end." Zuko said honestly.

"Please tell me…" Katara said as she leaned closer.

Taking it as an invite Zuko leaned in softly, brushing his lips against her. Katara froze as she lightly gasped.

Hoping she will understand his action and feelings. Zuko pulled away, looking down.

Katara blinked as she tried to process in her mind what happened.

'He kissed me…Zuko just kissed me…' Katara thought to herself as her face heated red.


"Azula…Tell me what are you planning?" Mai asked as she watched the fire princess brush her hair in front of a dresser.

"Hmm, you really wanna know?" the girl said with a slight tease.

Looking at Mai through the mirror she smirked, "Fine I'll tell you." Azula said as she turned around facing the girl.

"I want to end that filthy water peasant's life." Azula said as placed the brush down.

"The waterbender?" Mai said with no emotion.

"Yes…If it wasn't for her I would be Fire Lord by now…" Azula said as she looked at his nails.

Mai thought for a moment, she remembered the waterbender from her trip to Ba Sing Sa. She was the Avatar's girlfriend. Truly Mai didn't care for the girl but she knew Azula's plan was wrong.

She wondered…Should she stop Azula? Could there be another motive that Azula is scheming?

"I don't really care what you do to her…" Mai said with a slight bore tone.

"Hmm…really? I think you would have at least wanted some payback…" Azula said almost sweetly.

"What payback?" Mai said as she suddenly got interested.

"Well, she is after all going to marry Zuko." Azula said as she hid her smile.

A slight unreadable emotion lay across the girl's face as she then stared with a bored expression.

"Really now…So she was chosen by the councils…" Mai said mostly to herself.

"Yes…so it seems…" Azula said as she turned and looked at Mai.

"Doesn't it bother you that a water peasant will bed with your ex boyfriend?" Azula said with a hint of amusement.

Mai's eyes focused as she thought deeply. 'Yes…it does bother me…And yet he wouldn't marry her right? I know Zuko…' Mai thought as she gripped the bed sheet.

Azula smiled wickedly fully aware of the girl's jealously slowly building up in her mind.

It was only a matter of time before Mai will willingly agree to help her defeat the girl and perhaps win back her title.

'This is far too easy…' Azula thought as she turned and looked in the mirror smiling darkly.

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There you go! The first Zutara kiss! Also what does Aang have in the box? Also what will Mai decide? Stay tune and please review!