Book 4 Air

Chapter 34 Confessions

Part One

Located within the Upper Ring at the center of Ba Sing Se, the front gates of the Royal Palace Compound were seen, with an iconic symbol for the power of the Earth King within. Heavily fortified, the main route into the palace covered on three sides by battlements and towers with double eaves. The view of the surrounding grounds both the spiritual and military center of the entire Earth Kingdom was in sight as a carriage pulled along then stopped along the side. A lean figure dressed in orange and yellow robes stepped out. Aang marveled at the Royal Shrine, it situated at the center of the palace compound. Hundreds of steps lead up to its entrance, and the building having quadruple eaves and huge marble stone pillars holding up its roof. Aang swallowed lightly preparing his long walk up the stone stairs.

Pacing step by step, the boy's mind raced with thoughts of the King, thoughts of Suki and Sokka…Zuko and Katara…Thoughts of Toph being with her parents. How he wished his friends were with him right now. Before Aang knew it, he was facing the two massive doors. His knees buckled as his calves nearly gave out. Two guards moved from their post as they opened the doors for him.

Slowly Aang walked in. A woman dressed in a light green kimono bowed to the Avatar.

"Welcome to the Royal Palace. Please this way…" the woman said as she started to walk down the huge hallway. Aang followed.

Once they reached their location in front of the throne room, where two huge green and golden doors towered in front of airbender. The woman bowed deeply, as Aang turned his attention to the two bulky guards; they both concurrently pulled the huge handles opening the massive doors.

Once inside Aang noticed the eighteen large stone pillars that ran down the entire length of the hall, each topped with intricately painted brackets and supports a corbel where a large green lantern hung delicately above the throne room. Diaphanous curtains hung throughout the hall to draw attention to the Earth King's throne, situated on a dais near the back of the room and accessed by nine stairs.

The throne was surmounted by a massive stone Badgermole clutching its claws into the Earth Kingdom's emblem along with a screen painted with scenes of deer, cranes, and mountains on a gold leaf background; above the throne was a large caisson painted in a deep gold. Aang's eyes met to the center where he saw the Earth King at last, with a furry companion at his side. The bear grunted a low roar as his little nub tail wiggled. Aang smiled also forgetting about the loyal friend to the Earth King.

The leader, Kuei recently began taking charge of his position after the war ended. He was more respected now, as a powerful leader and head chief of his people. The Earth King opened his arms out in welcome, "Avatar Aang, welcome back to Ba Sing Sa…" Kuei said warmly, his kind-hearted personality still shone through. It was rather calming than a serious, more stern rulers, like many others in the Earth Kingdom.

"Yea, good to be back." Aang said with a smile.

"Come let us discuss more important matters in the Tea Palace." The Earth King said as he stood up.

Aang smiled as he was led by his good friend down the hall, 'This will work after all.' Aang thought happily.


The view of an island was seen, palm trees swaying in a light breeze. Two feet stepped in the loose sand as a tall figure stood silently. Her dull golden brown eyes narrowed. Mai's journey with the princess has indeed, proved to be interesting. It reminded Mai of her past. Traveling with the princess and Ty Lee; how she missed those days. There was always something to do, always someone to fight. Now she stood on the next location, unaware of any further plans that the crazed girl had in store. Mai's only knowledge was Azula's desire to kill the Waterbender she loathed and longed for power. It was quite interesting…and beside her manic laugh and quiet mumbles of nonsense. Azula appeared to be like her normal self, and that's what worried Mai greatly.

Whether Mai wanted to admit it or not, she knew which side she had chosen. She wants to do some good in her life; not to follow some lunatic Fire Nation princess and murder an innocent person. But Mai couldn't help but be intrigued by the rush of secretly hunting someone down. To battle once more and apply her long years of training with shuriken knives again.

Only who will her opponent be, once the battle draws to a close?

Mai turned her head and noticed the village not far off. There was something off about the island. The weather seemed muggy and cold, it was unusual especially for a tropical island. 'Then again it was hurricane season', Mai thought as she waited for Azula. Their trip to the island was a tricky tactic to maneuver pass by the Fire Nation station near the cliff side. Luckily they were safe in the remote part of the island…for now at least.

Mai darted her eyes to the looming figure walking up to her. The young woman with uneven hair smiled wickedly, "I have found a place to stay. Come, rain is approaching fast." Azula said as she turned and led Mai to their new position.

Walking through the different markets and then down to an empty area, Mai saw a small house fenced with a small garden come into view. Once they entered the small house, a sudden reek filled the girl's nose. The foul smell of rotting fruit filled her senses as beetle-flies circled the house. Covering her nose from the unpleasant scent Mai spoke, "How did you get this house? Where are the owners?" Mai asked as she watched Azula open a cabinet then poured some wine in a wooden cup.

"No one was home…So I made this our resting spot…" Azula said casually as she removed her cloak.

Mai narrowed her eyes, "What if they come back? Then how will we explain-

"Oh stop worrying; I have everything, under control…" Azula said as she cut Mai off.

Mai took a few steps back and looked around the room, the house felt weird. The whole island did in fact. Where were the villagers? Where was anything?

Mai excused herself as she walked out of the house and out to the yard. Looking down Mai noticed the rotten fruits and vegetables in the small garden. Who ever lived here no longer did, judging from the poor condition and lack of attention to the cleaning. So then, where were they?

'This isn't right…' Mai thought as the wind picked up, giving a cool chill as it lingered. Mai lifted her head up staring at the rolling dark clouds as rain started to drizzle.


"The ship was seized by pirates off the coast of Whale Tail Island." The chief said as he watched Sokka narrowed his eyes.

"So it's caused the failed route for trade in your village?" Sokka said repeating the known cause.

"Yes, we do not know if the pirates have taken any hostages or not. But we fear for own village's safety." Oyaji said with worry.

"Hmm…If they were to invade the village, they would probably attack in the northern cliff side." Sokka said as he pointed the small edge on the map lay out before him.

"But what about the front bay, near the village?" Ty Lee asked as she pointed to on the paper.

"No, they would be out in the open, plus in the nearby sea there's the elephant koi, the island's main source of security, along with the giant eel, Unagi. You'll be protected from the front." Sokka said fully aware of the situation.

"Suki, send some of the warriors there and set up a base." Sokka ordered.

Suki then commanded four of the Kyoshi warriors to move out as she then noticed Sokka rubbing his chin. "Perhaps we should also guard the Kyoshi shrine…" Sokka mumbled.

"Why? Do you think they'll steal the sacred artifacts?" the leader chief asked almost dreading the thought.

"Yes, they would make some profit out it…" Sokka said as he lost his concentration from Momo jumping on his head.

"Ack! Momo!" Sokka exclaimed as the lemur curled his tail over Sokka's face and nose causing him to sneeze. The village children laughed as they peered through the window watching the once serious discussion turn into a small comical relief.

"Grr…" Sokka growled as Suki laughed, "Oh Sokka, it's alright. We'll win this battle." Suki said with a prideful vow.

Sokka smiled lightly, "Yea…We will." The teen said as he plucked Momo from his head and held the lemur, petting him softly.


Walking down the open vestibule to the training grounds, Katara held two large buckets full of water. Her usual soft steps were almost marching as she walked up to the open courtyard. Placing the buckets down, Katara then tied her hair into a high pony tail. Her new outfit was perfect for her unique training. Tucked tightly against her form, the waterbender wore a vermillion red tank top that cut off half way, showed off her mid section which flattered her flat stomach. Below her waist line were loose dark burgundy pants and two small pointed sandals flat against the soles of her feet. Forming into a basic stance, Katara rushed her fingers up raising the liquid into the air in a single motion. The mystical calling of the water remained to float in the air, as Katara twisted her body allowing the water to sway with her movements. Katara's once inpatient breath slowly faded into deep sighes as she started to relax. Practicing her element always calmed her, no matter how frustrating her situation was, the water gave her release.

Twirling the water in her grasp, Katara began to think back about her problem. 'It's not Zuko's fault…Even though he did kiss me…' Katara thought rationally.

Recalling his lips against hers always made her blush, even now as she bends her element-her face failed to hide the tinted red across her cheeks. It made her mad, angry and hurt…That Zuko, for did what he did, confused Katara to no end. She did admit there was an attraction for the Fire Lord. Ever since she saw him that fateful day at the Southern Water Tribe. She remembered his cold glare, his firm stance as he scanned her people beside her. Remembering how she flinched when she saw his body retort, his hand reaching out toward her only to take her beloved grandmother next to his form. She was frighten of course, yet she never understood why she reacted the way she did. Out of everyone there, what made her think he would choose her? The man she saw that day was dark and intriguing to her naïve, youthful eyes. A Water Tribeswoman who never even left the out skirts of her homeland, for the first time witnessed a man with a rare light complexion and audacious golden irises. How can someone so beautiful, be so sinister? After that day her life changed forever once she journeyed with Aang to the Northern Water Tribe.

Katara chuckled lightly, every time Aang's life was in danger, and Zuko was there. Memories of her quarrel with him at her sister's tribe flooded her mind. His fierce determination and stubbornness flared off him like his firebending. Coursing through the air as she fought back. Meeting him once more underneath the catacombs of the hidden city of Ba Sing Sa. She got to see a softer side of the prince, a side she could understand. Then flashes of Zuko filled her mind, all the events that led her to this moment.

Katara shook her head, almost loosing her hold of the precious water inches from her fingers. The waterbender tried to think of other things…But no matter how hard she tried, visions of Zuko will enter her mind.

It was too hard for her; she wanted to be mad at him. She wanted to hate him for putting her in this crazy political mess. Yet deep down she knew it wasn't his fault. Katara release her magical hold of the water, letting it splash over the titled floor creating a scattered puddle. She thought if she stayed mad at him, and told him to stay away. That in turn she'll do the same…Forget him completely. But it didn't work, nothing she did ever worked out for her. Her heart ached and her mind felt guilty for being so selfish. She wanted to tell Zuko. To tell him the whole truth about how she felt in all of this. How as much as she didn't want to acknowledge it, she slowly falling for him.

Tears formed in her eyes as she fell to her knees. The water below her soaked in her pants as she covered her face, hiding the shameful confession to herself. A soft sound escaped her lips as the word formed the Fire Lord's name in a hushed whisper. "Zuko…" Katara said as she clenched her heart.

The view of the crying girl soon drifted to two pair of golden eyes watching her. The old man rubbed his beard as a smile formed on his lips. He had a hunch the girl held feelings for his nephew, for quite a while now. Seeing the scene in front of him was prove, enough. Now what can he do to help the two teens admit their feelings face to face without a sparring coming into play? Iroh thought to himself as he slowly left, giving the girl some privacy.

This was very interesting…Very interesting indeed.


Sitting at the table, waiting her meal. Toph sighed again as she sat alone. She asked her parents to eat in their quarters, and let her eat her meal in peace. Surprisingly enough they allowed it. Granting her some relief of her collect her troubled thoughts. When the servant placed her dish on the table in front, only to back away slowly. Toph decided she'd better eat and go to bed soon. Picking up her chopsticks Toph then get a whiffed of the food in front her. Her eyes lightly widen, "Say, what's on my plate?" Toph asked as the servant behind her answered.

"Spinach and strawberry salad, Miss Bei Fong." The woman said as Toph lowered her head.

As if thinking about him was hard enough, now she'll be eating his favorite food?! Toph stabbed her chopsticks in the salad of spinach and sliced strawberries. Taking a large amount of salad into her mouth, the girl then chopped down on the delicious, sweetened oil and vinegar dressing. The oils overlaid the taste of salad as she bit into the bitter lettuce and tangy fruit. Tears whelmed up at the corner of her eyes as she took another bite, tasting the poppy and sesame seeds that roll on her tongue. It was a silent torture for her, yet her stubbornness continued to eat the meal before her. Trying to eat away her feelings as the flavor teased her, reminding her of the goofy airbender and his monk-like ways.

After finished the last bite of strawberries Toph dropped her chopsticks and then covered her face, nearly crying out in aggravation. The servant woman slowly left the room as Toph wiped her eyes and face. 'Why? Why do I miss him so much!!' the blind girl thought in anger as she roughly stood up and stomped to her bedroom.

It wasn't fair, if she missed Aang and wanted to see him. Then by golly she'll see him!

The blind earthbender nearly growled as she removed her dress and changed into her usual tom-boyish clothes with her headband. 'I don't care about them; they can't keep me here forever! I'll run away for good this time; that'll show them not to mess with me!' Toph thought as she grabbed a bag full of coins and prepared herself to leave her home once more.


Oh noes! Toph is going to run away again! Stay tune next chapter to find out about Toph, Aang and Aeron!!! Please review if you want more Zutara!