Book 4 Air

Chapter 29 Indifference

'She wouldn't? Would she?' Mai continued to ask herself as she washed her face in the bathroom. Gazing at herself in the mirror, her hair down and flat against her head, Mai sighed with a dull tone as she focused on her troubled thoughts.

'This is Azula…She's up to no good. Why? What purpose can she hope to gain?' Mai thought as she rubbed off the smeared eyeliner from the waterline of her eyes.

'Should I play along? Like last time?' Mai thought as she cleaned up her face then turned and opened the door.

'Yes…I know exactly what to do…' Mai thought as a small curve lifted from her lips.

"Azula, I have made my decision." Mai said stoically.

Smiling for a spilt-second before facing the girl, Azula looked at Mai.

"And what is your decision?" Azula asked softly.

"I will join you, and defeat the waterbender. But on one condition…"

"Yes?" Azula asked sure of herself that she knew the answer.

"If you for even a second think you have a right to hurt Zuko. I'll make sure you won't be rotting in a cell…" Mai said making sure the fire princess understood her demand and personal threat.

"Oh don't worry, I'm sure you'll be stabbing him with your knifes by the time I've finished that peasant off." Azula said with reassurance as she turned to her clothing, folding them unevenly on the bed.

Mai narrowed her eyes, she knew it hurt knowing Zuko will be marrying the waterbender. Yet she reminded herself it was an arranged marriage. Zuko was forced to be with someone he doesn't love. Even so, she knew in her heart that no one will have him. Only she could. Her childhood crush…her sweet prince…

Turning her head she looked out the window, gazing into the nothingness of night outside.

'Zuko…' Mai thought softly as she clenched her fists showing an indifferent emotion in her eyes.


The hot yet sweet chicken and rice as it filled her mouth with a tender juice. She softly chewed her last bite, enjoying the delight taste as she continued to eat her meal. Placing her chopsticks down, Katara sighed contently. It was probably the best meal she's had lately. Looking over she noticed Zuko was staring at her again; it made her more nervous than usual.

'Why must he stare like that at me? Like some love-struck puppy.' Katara thought to herself as she saw Zuko stand up.

"I'll like to take you somewhere." Zuko said quietly as he lengthens his hand out to her.

"Alright." Katara said as she placed her napkin on the table and stood up from her chair taking the lord's hand.

Walking out of the dining quarters then to a narrower hall, Katara wondered where they were going.

"Where are we going to, Fire Lord Zuko?" Katara asked innocently.

"To the South wing of the palace. There's a special room I want to take you to. Hardly any servants venture there." Zuko said with a pause.

"I need to talk to you about some important matters." Zuko said finishing his sentence quietly.

Katara nodded her head as she followed the lord further down the hall.

As they made their way to the room Katara slightly held her breath as Zuko opened the door. The room was beautifully decorated with a lovely loveseat, the carpet was dark red and the wall's wallpaper was a ruby red with snitched fabric almost like a quilt of red sapphire diamonds. Once sitting down, Katara blushed as Zuko held her hand lightly.

She almost was embarrassed to look up at him, drifting her eyes upward Katara nearly gasped. Staring into his eyes, Katara felt like she was lost in those two golden suns. Two amber orbs shaded with a deep drop of honey. She never saw such emotion in them, so passionate and strong. Barely whispering his name Katara almost felt her heart skip as he started to speak.

"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 tilting his head slowly downward as he planted his lips over her knuckles.

Feeling her heart swell with deep admiration she spoke out her mind, "And so will I!" the girl said rapidly.

'Why did I just say that?!' Katara thought to herself as she felt extremely embarrassed for not thinking before speaking.

"I understand that you possible still have mixed feelings about this marriage but, I will support you, whatever decision you make." Zuko said clearly as he stared firmly into Katara's eyes as he tightened his grip on the girl's palm.

"Zuko…" Katara said softly as she thought through what he said.

'He really has change…Well not really 'changed' he's just opened up more. A lot more...

Why do I feel this way…Why is my heart racing and this emotion in me nearly exploding from my chest? I mean, I'm so grateful that he supports me and asks me, my opinion. Yet

I can easily tell him to call off the wedding. Yet, why…Why am I hesitant?' Katara thought deeply unaware of Zuko's gazing eyes over her body and face.

Finally looking up at Zuko, Katara noticed his intense gaze. He appeared to be thinking strongly about something. Concerned, Katara asked him is he was alright.

"Yes, I am…" Zuko said as he reached out and cupped her cheek. Katara's eyes widen as she felt his warm hand hold her face. Once she realized Katara couldn't help but melt in his hold. Tilting her face into his palm, Katara felt safe and at peace. Closing her eyes slowly Katara continued to embrace the lord's gentle touch. Inhaling lightly she smelt the faint scent of smoke along his fingers as she placed her hand on his, lightly clenching his hand with four digits.

"Zuko…" Katara whispered as she opened her eyes.

Seeing the lord's face tinted red and answering her in a curt tone. Katara's eyes glistened, she wanted to know. What did he think of her? Did he hold feelings for her? Thought about her more than a friend?

"Tell me…What do you think of me?" Katara admitting to herself, letting her questioning thoughts be heard.

Suddenly Katara saw his eyes close then opened. Such raw emotion shone through his eyes as he appeared to drift closer to her. Katara's mouth escaped the last ounce of air she as she froze.

'What is he doing?' Katara thought to herself as he inched even closer to her lips.

Expecting to feel his lips on hers, Katara opened her eyes as she felt a sudden weight shift on her shoulder.

"Zuko?" Katara asked slightly confused of his action.

"I…I like you." The lord said as he lifted his head pulling away from Katara.

"I admire you, Katara. You're really such an amazing person." Zuko said with tenderness.

'He l-likes me? He admires me?' Katara thought as she felt the heat rising above the surface of her cheeks. 'Well, why wouldn't he? He's a friend right? Just a good, close friend…' Katara thought nervously as she said his name quietly.

'I want to know…If…Somehow, this can work…No! No why? I shouldn't be feeling this way about him?! And yet…Why do I want it?' Katara thought as she leaned slightly closer gazing at his thin yet soft lips. 'I should be with Aang…yet…

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

"Please tell me…" Katara said as she leaned closer, 'Tell me what I want…' Katara thought as she slowly closed her eyes.

Before Katara could react any further she suddenly felt warm lips press against hers. The kiss was soft yet passionate. Feeling a deep swell in her chest, as through he nearly sucked the life out of her. The warmth then disappeared as he pulled away. Leaving Katara slightly disappointed when he stopped. The waterbender opened her eyes as she then noticed he was looking down almost ashamed of what he just did.

Then it hit her, 'He kissed me…Zuko just kissed me!' Katara thought as she became deeply embarrassed.


A view of a small building came into sight as small fireflies flickered in the evening of the Earth Kingdom. A scene came into view of four sturdy generals and a boy boring swirling his finger in the lukewarm tea. The four men looked at one another at the boy's bored pass time.

"Do the monks act as such when waiting for an honored guest?" the high ranked general asked the airbender as he lifted his head up.

"No, it's been so long…Why isn't he here yet." Aang said with a small whine in his tone.

"General Sung makes his time, you should be patience. Your childish act will not be seen by his eyes…" the general said calmly as he closed his eyes.

Aang still bored, continued to spin his finger in the cup. Seeing this infuriated the general. He should have to repeat himself.

"And he will do so now!" the man said loudly with little tolerance.

Aang stopped as he yanked his finger out then tucked his hands underneath the table, lowering his head, "Sorry Sir." Aang said quietly.

Just then everyone from the table bowed their heads along with the owner and some bystanders. Aang turned his head and saw the man.

He was tall and proud, wearing a thick green silk robe with an even larger belt than the other general. The man raised his hand to signal the group to raise their heads. His wrist was clasped with brace studs that hid under a long coffee colored cloak, and his dark brown hair was neatly tied in a bun showing his royal status.

He appeared to be a man greatly respected.

Jumping from his seat, Aang stood in front of the general and bowed. "It's an honor to meet you General Sung." Aang said as the sudden rush of air swept up the man's cloak over his head. Unaware of his small airbending from getting up, he saw the man struggled under his cloak. "Oh I'm sorry!" Aang said as he tried to free the man from the brown fabric.

"Enough!" a man said behind Aang as he backed away, "I am so terribly sorry, general. This monk should have been taught better manners, when in the presence as someone as great as you." The general said with slight disgust as he removed the cloak from the respected officer.

Standing firm with small strands of his hair out from his head and bun. A serious expression shone through his face as Aang lowered his head. "I'm sorry, I won't do it again." Aang said.

As soon as it came the strict appearance melted away, and the man grinned a wide smile patting the airbender on the back. "No trouble my boy, ha haha!" Sung laughed out, as he reassured the young airbender.

Aang softly smiled as he was seated by the general, "Tell me Avatar, what business did the Earth King wished to discuss with you?" Sung asked slowly becoming more serious yet gentle in his tone.

"From the letter, it was something about the drought and riots here in the Earth Kingdom." Aang managed to squeak out trying to show his respect.

"Ah yes, such troubled times here in our country. I am sure you can work some things out with his majesty. Come now, your stagecoach awaits, my boy!" the general said as he hooted a loud boastful laugh.

"But General Sung, the arrangement, we have to at least discuss-

"Oh come now, Theodor, the boy has no time for that. He is to see the King! Not to talk to us over such trivial matters." Sung said cutting the general off while he continued to lead Aang to the carriage.

"Good luck, my boy! Say hello for the King for me, will you? Ha Ha!" Sung said haughtily.

"Uh, alright, I will…" Aang said quietly and sheepishly as he slowly sank in his seat in the carriage.

"You bison will be shipped to Ba Sing Sa. Enjoy the ride!" Sung said as he shut the door then waved.

Aang lightly waved his hand as the carriage started to move riding off into the night. The general continued to waved then slowly stopped.

"General Sung why did you send him off like that!" the man said annoyed from the general's usual attitude.

"Because Theodor, he is only a young lad. He doesn't need to hear our complains. He has bigger things to worry about. Let the King deal with him." Sung said softly yet seriously.

The general huffed as he went inside the small building while the officer smiled.

"Safe travels, young Avatar." Sung said softly, as he walked back into the building loudly announcing, "Now, who wants some sake! Ye?" the boastful man laughed out as the scene drifts off to the view of the moon.


Viewing in the slowly rotting earth, a voice called out in the out stretched darkness surrounding him. "Their hearts will twine…And their dreams will form, I will capture their faces…" the voice said darkly as he chuckled.

Flashes of long roach legs crawling along the soil and a pair of lips smiled, "I will finally add a child to my collection…" the mouth said as the segments curled with excitement.

'Mmhmm….hmm….Mmm…Time is almost up." The vile creature said as the scene reverse back slowly revealing garnished twisted roots and a green misty marsh.


Hope you liked it! I decided to add in Katara's point of view with Zuko's talk and kiss. Well, more on Mai's decision and Toph's feelings later next chapter! Also what sneaky plans does another more sinister and more evil villain has in story for our beloved characters?

Stay tune and pretty please REVIEW!