To the readers, I understand at some points in the chapters seemed to be rushed but I swear there's a point to the build up and drama. I want this to be realistic for every person in this story. Hopefully they sound and acted like they would in the series. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy!

Please review!

Book 4 Air

Chapter 33 Worries and Sighes

The sun shined over the distant island as its bright light shimmered across the green-blue ocean, creating a glistening path along the water surface. Foam crashed against the black metal of the ship as it came into view making its way into the small lagoon blocked away from the coal reefs. The sight of a massive anchor from the side shone plumping into the water, slowly sinking in the depths. The scene of the ship's deck was scattered of crewmen, preparing a large boat to be fastened on the sidelines, ready to aboard the two warriors.

A young man walked along the deck, his hair neatly tied back in his tribe's traditional style of a strong fighter. Sokka smiled lightly as he noticed a figure clad in an ornate, armored green kimono, with a golden metal headdress gleaming in the sunlight. The young woman turned around smiling at the Water Tribesman. Sokka couldn't help but blush lightly as he secretly admired the woman's geisha-like makeup painted on her face. She looked like a fierce warrior, ready for battle with her sharp metal fans tucked away on her belt.

"I'm so excited Sokka, I'm finally returning home…" Suki said softly as she turned her gaze toward the island.

"Yea…" Sokka said lightly.

The two watched the crewmen orderly ascendable the tight ropes to haul the wooden boat down. Just then a tall man walked up to them, "Ah, the two young War Heroes, I have heard so much about…I figured you'd be older." The man said with slight amusement in his voice as he huffed out a disrespectable laugh.

Sokka's brow frowned with abhorrence as Suki held him back from any unnecessary remarks. "Let it go Sokka…" Suki whispered to the young man as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Suki narrowed her eyes; she grew tired of Sokka's protective actions, especially towards members of the Fire Nation. Even though they sometimes are disrespectful, there was no reason to act hastily and improper due to such little matters.

Unnoticing the young man's discomfort, the Fire Nation man continued to laugh lightly. finally stopping as he gave the two teens his attention. "I am Commander Cao of this fleet; please allow me to show you my most humble regards to our Young War Heroes." The man said with an indolent bow.

If on cue, three men walked up to Sokka and Suki, holding three boxes decorated with golden seals. "Fifty pounds, to Kyoshi Island and to her people." The man said with a boastful attitude as the three men opened the chests filled with lustrous gold blocks piled up to the rim.

Suki and Sokka's eyes widen, the Water Tribesman continued to be in shock with his mouth hanging wide open. As for the young woman next to him, she suddenly bowed deeply. "Thank you so much!" Suki said loudly, trying to hide the tearful joy in her voice.

"In honorable respect to the Fire Lord, he hopes you will use this well to help rebuild your village." The man said as he ordered the men to place the generous gift into the boat.

Sokka nodded his head as he smiled down at Suki as she raised her face upward. "We will. Thank the Fire Lord for us." Sokka said gratefully.

"Of course…Now, please prepare to leave. The village awaits you." Cao said as he lengthen his hand outward, pointing to the boat.


Walking along the garden in the courtyard, Toph sighed. Things were not looking well for the blind earthbender. Her parents were more protective than usual and make it worse; there was no sign of any freedom possible for her. She now has an escort of one of the servants, following her at a reasonable distance. Turning her head lightly, Toph scoffed as she felt the woman stand impatiently; waiting for any commands the noble girl may ask or need. It was annoying. Can a girl just have some alone time?

Feeling the early shifts of cool air flow pass her form, Toph nearly trembled from the sudden change of temperature. Air…Wind…The element that Toph envied secretly in her mind. The soothing winds were the perfect description to describe Toph's desire.

Freedom…

Blowing whatever it went…Even the boars had more freedom than she did, casting their feathered wings into the skies. Able to roam anywhere they pleased. They were the paradoxical symbol of her legacy; her family crest for generations, the flying pig.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she continued on down the stone path. Stepping over the loose pebbles that trailed along over to the small arched bridge. Toph came to the center of the overpass and rested her hands on the sill. Thinking lightly to herself, the blind girl closed her eyes as another breeze flowed through her hair swaying her bangs. 'This stupid wind…It only reminds me of…him.' Toph thought as she bathed in the warm sunlight as the cold breeze giving her skin goose-bumps.

'It's so unfair…' The girl thought as she rested her chin on her hands unaware of the figures watching her from a distance.

A view of a quad came in sight as a feminine woman dressed in green robes sighed. She then looked over at the man, who was rubbing his small beard lightly appearing to be thinking solemnly.

"Oh honey, we can't do this…Look at her, she needs her friends…" a soft voice said feeling guilty as she looked at her husband.

"No. It's too risky. My love don't you remember what he said? If she goes off again, she might see the Avatar. He's the one who can not be near our daughter. He's the line between our world and the spirit world. You know this." The man said firmly as he looked at his wife.

"I know, dear…But at what cost for our daughter's safety to then overlook her happiness?" The woman said as she looked back at her little girl.

"If it's to keep our girl safe, then I would do whatever it takes…" the man said as he turned his head gazing at the petite earthbender.

"I hope we're doing the right thing…" the woman said as her husband wrapped his arms around his beloved and kissed her forehead.

"We are, my dear…We are…" the man said trying to comfort his wife and to reassure himself over their decision.


Two figures walked along the bamboo forest trail with five men following them, holding their baggage and gifts from the Fire Lord. Suki's smile widen as she heard the familiar sounds of her village coming closer. She then started to jog pass the thick bamboo, tears nearly shedding from her eyes as she came into the clearing. Greeted in front of her, were all of her people including two new members. Ty Lee cheered as she cart-wheeled around the courtyard. Suddenly a chattering noise came from above the two warriors as a flying lemur glided into Sokka's arms. "Momo!" Sokka exclaimed as Suki giggled.

"Ah Suki…It is so good to have return home at last." Oyaji, the chief leader of the village said with arms opened wide.

"It's good to be back." Suki said as she hugged the man.

"Hi Sokka!" Ty Lee exclaimed in a high voice as she hugged the Water Tribe warrior tightly.

"Ah! Haha, hi Ty Lee." Sokka said as he blushed, hugging the hyper girl back.

After everyone exchanged their hellos and welcomes. Suki and Sokka were invited in the main building to settle down and enjoy a home-coming feast. After drinking some water Suki turned her attention to the Chief leader.

"So Oyaji, exactly what has happened with the village since my absence?" Suki asked with a serious tone.

The leader finished chewing his bite of fish and then sighed, "There have been sighting of pirates in the area, Suki." Oyaji said steadily as he looked at the two young War Heroes. "Pirates!" Suki exclaimed with worry.

"Yes…They've overtook the trade route and have been stealing the Western Harbor's cargo." The man said.

"Don't worry Suki; it's nothing we can't handle." Sokka said with pride.

"No Sokka. Pirates are devious and unpredictable. We can't just go in and attack. We need a strategy." Suki said as she turned her head to the teen boy.

"No worries, I already have a plan." Sokka said with confidence.


Opening his gray eyes, Aang felt the carriage stop and heard a crowd forming around him. Once he opened the door and stepped out. Aang was surprised to be at the Ba Sing Sa monorail station. A monorail pulled in on the rack as Aang walked to a man waiting for him. "Welcome Aang to Ba Sing Sa, please enter into the monorail. General How will be waiting for you." The man said as he opened the sliding door.

"Thanks." Aang said as he stepped inside. Looking out the window Aang noticed the crowd of people pushing through trying to get a glimpse of their savior. Aang smiled lightly and waved, getting use to the huge celebrity status he's gone through in the past.

'I can't believe I'm already here. I must have slept throughout the ride.' Aang thought as he closed his eyes becoming rather nervous. 'I know the Earth King; he'll do the right thing once I explain the problem. I only hope everything will go smoothly.' Aang thought to himself as the train started to move.


After their talk, Zuko was called in for a meeting. He couldn't go, not now. "Reschedule my meeting to another time!" Zuko nearly yelled out in frustration as the servants all bowed to the floor to their majesty, fearful he may unleash a powerful wrath.

Zuko lifted his lip in near disgust, are they that gullible? To think he was anything like his own father was an insult. But he didn't want to think about that now, he didn't care. Zuko has lost too much, too soon. His girlfriend, Mai. His father; who had the only source of information to his mother's whereabouts, now dead. Not only that, but Zuko was also left, with the burden of his feelings for the waterbender, who in the end rejected him, twice.

Stomping into his quarters, the Fire Lord screamed out, punching the hard oak wall with his tighten clenched fist. Shortly after his outburst a knock came to the door, "Zuko? Are you alright?" A low familiar voice called out.

Sighing deeply Zuko slumped on the end of his bed and covered his face. The old man, Dragon of the West walked in slowly. Unsure of what happened yet knowing the outcome was not pleasant. Iroh waited patiently for his nephew to speak. "Uncle…I can't do this…It's too much for me to handle. The treaties, my sister, Katara! Everything that could go wrong does go wrong. Why? Why me?!" Zuko said as he lashed out gripping his hair while removing his royal aircraft tossing it to the floor. Iroh bended over and picked it up, holding it in his palm. "It is your legacy, Fire Lord Zuko. As the crowned prince of the Fire Nation. Only you can make things right again." Iroh said slowly and firmly.

"I'm trying uncle…Everything in my power. But it's never enough!" Zuko said jerking his head up, looking helplessly at his mentor.

Iroh nodded his head, completely understanding his nephew's hardship. Yet he knew in the end Zuko will rise and become the powerful, superb ruler he was always meant to be.

"It is simply a few bumps in the road, Fire Lord Zuko. Your journey will continue throughout your life, and you will soon see. The reason why…" Iroh said as he gave a small hopeful smile.

"All your experiences will shape you and help you learn." Iroh said with a short pause. "You will find Azula and stop her. You will help restore our nation and our people. You will wed a beautiful and powerful waterbender. With her by your side, you will also help restore the world back into balance." Iroh said.

Zuko lowered his head; Iroh's words did help him gain more insight and hope. But it still means he'll have to work harder to find his mother. Perhaps Katara can help him. He did after all help her; find closure for her mother's death. Maybe she can be willing to help him find closure as well. Brushing that thought aside, Zuko knew he also needed to be there for his people. He had a duty to attend to, and take care of his responsibilities.

"Thank you uncle…I don't know what I would do without you." Zuko said with a light smile.

"Listen to me Zuko, you are indeed strong willed and strong minded. But remember, I will not always be there for you when you need me. Keep in mind someone else who was there for you. Who can help you, and allow you to find yourself again." Iroh said as he walked over and placed the royal artifact on the dresser then left the room.

Zuko lifted his head then chuckled softly, 'The only other person who ever truly understood me was her…' Zuko thought as he fell back on the bed folding his arms behind his head.

'She wanted to see the real me…She wanted to know the truth…I'll tell her, I'll let her know and maybe, find out why she acted the way she did.' Zuko thought as he recalled the event earlier that day.

'I don't like this…What's making her act this way? So distant, so cold? Was it my actions that led her to behave this way…? Or it something more?' Zuko pondered to himself as he noticed Katara started to stand up.

"Wait." Zuko called out as she kept her head up.

"I'm a little disappointed Zuko…" Katara said as her words stung at the young man's soul.

"You didn't tell me the whole truth, you only told me what II wanted to hear…" Katara said as she then took a few steps forward.

"Katara I-

"I'm going to go to train for a while…" Katara said as she then walked away from the Fire Lord.

Zuko then shot up from the ground and quickly grabbed her hand, "Wait I said!" Zuko said in a desperate tone.

"Let me go…" Katara said lightly yet firmly.

"No, not until you tell me what you'r-

"LET ME GO!" Katara yelled as she yanked her hand away never once looking at the man behind her.

Katara then ran off, out into the courtyard then disappeared from the long hallway. Zuko stood there, baffled from her behavior and harsh words. Somehow, it was like she meant it in another way 'LET ME GO!'

No…He will not let her go…he will not give up on her, not without a fight.


"Katara…" Zuko said quietly as he closed his eyes slowly falling into a light slumber and into a restless sleep.


I know it seems to be going in circles, especially on Aang's part (worries and nervous-ness, never getting to the Earth King) but there is a point to this. The build up for our characters and the development of their feelings. I know I promised Zutara and Taang, and to have Aang seeing the Earth King, but I couldn't put it all in a single chapter. So next chapter will be in two parts. Hopefully you all enjoyed it so far. Please stay tune to find Azula and Mai reach Whale Tail Island, Aang see and talk to the Earth King, Sokka making a clever plan to get the pirates…Please review!!!!