Book 4 Air
Chapter 37 Just Like Last Time
Opening the scroll delicately in her hands, Aeron read the list of criminals taken in for questioning. The further she read down the list, the more nervous she became. No name of the woman called Ursa appeared on the list. Then it dawn to her, Ursa probably wouldn't have given her real name to the officers, instead she would have used a fake name. Over-looking the list, Aeron soon saw a familiar symbol curved in a slight line. It was her name. Aeron's eyed widen lightly only to smile warmly. The woman has indeed taken a liking to her. Right below was an undefined name stated a Fire Nation woman. Assuming it was her, Aeron smiled to herself. The ironic thing about it was that Ursa was innocent. While here, a person who helped a crazied princess escaped, remained free.
Aeron was going to do whatever it took to save the mother of the Fire Nation.
She didn't speak; she couldn't…The Fire Lord's confession still echoed in her mind as she continued to stare into the man's face. Sensing her disbelief, Zuko thought of what his uncle might say. Something to give the girl insight and make her feel like his equal.
Just then, Katara fought the courage to speak, her words were low as she bowed her head lightly.
The waterbender walked up to the lord, lifting her head as her eyes glistened. "I've realized…That I can't deny these feelings…I wanted so much to believe they weren't true. Yet, I know now…I-I want you to know…That…No matter what happens, I will always be there for you too, Zuko…I'm not confused anymore" Katara said as her cheeks flushed, her last words barely a whisper.
Zuko's eyes glistened, 'Katara…'
Zuko gazed into her luminous blue eyes that sparkled lightly. He then was reminded of an old legend his uncle once said.
"Since ancient times…The dragon has been the only beast to equal the tiger…" Zuko said softly as Katara froze.
"You are my equal in every way, Katara. You are a powerful bender, and an amazing woman." Zuko said as his cheek tinted red.
The waterbender's eyes blinked as her lips then curved into warm and genuine smile.
"Your eyes are so beautiful…" Katara said as Zuko blushed even harder.
"Your breathing is all weird…" Katara said as Zuko grew embarrassed as he covered his mouth.
The lord looked away as Katara continued to speak, "Your lips are cracked."
"It'll hurt if we kiss…" Katara said as she continued to watch the Fire lord's discomfort. His eyes drifted to her. "It's not like…" Zuko managed to say behind his hand as he felt nervous.
"If we kiss…it'll definitely hurt…a lot." Katara said as she lowered her gaze from Zuko. Feeling her heart pound in her chest, as she looked at the handsome man.
It caught Zuko's attention…'No…it won't…' Zuko thought as he lowered his hand.
Stepping forward, Zuko placed his hands on her shoulders and bended down, lightly kissing her. He pulled away, not looking at the girl's eyes. He asked her honestly, "How was it?" Zuko asked as he blushed.
Katara smiled lightly, "It was just as I expected…Just like last time." Katara said.
"It was rough, dry wilderness. Also it was really; really warm…The kiss of a dragon." Katara said as her smiled widen.
"Zuko…Please, let's…
Before Katara could finished Zuko stepped forward and kissed her again, pulling away, she lightly broke the kiss as she spoke, "One more…" Katara said breathlessly.
Zuko obeyed and claimed her lips deeper, than before. Cupping her cheek, Zuko kissed her passionately as her hair dangled over his hand. The two pulled away as Katara whispered once again, "One more…" the waterbender said as she stand on her tippy-toes wrapping her arms around the Fire Lord.
They pulled together into a long kiss; both their eyes were closed as they embraced each's warmth.
'I want to be with him…This feels right to me.' Katara thought as the scene disappeared into darkness.
--
The symbols reading 'Full Moon Bay' came into Aeron's view as she finally knew where the royal Earthbender guards were taking Ursa. Her eyes narrowed, 'Why to Full Moon Bay?' Aeron pondered as a knocked tapped on the door.
"Come in." Aeron said as she saw Aella come in.
"Hello, my dear. I was hoping to talk to you before you leave." Aella said with a warm smile.
"I'm not leaving, what gave you that idea?" Aeron asked trying to play dumb.
"Come now, Aeron. I've watched you for some time and I've noticed you and Cole are not from the Earth Kingdom. Your movements and posture are strictly related to the people of the Fire Nation." Aella said.
Aeron lowered her head, she knew the woman was clever, but this was ridiculous. Feeling like she had no choice, Aeron told the woman the truth.
"My name is Aeron Sumisu; I am the daughter of Chief Maikeru and mother Lillian. Member of the Shin-Ko Clan, I've sinned and now, I wish to save the mother of my nation." Aeron said passionately as she kept her head up high.
Aella smiled, she admired that the girl told her the truth and had such pride. Aella knew she had to help.
"I am glad you've told me, Aeron. I have thought as much you were going to leave one way or another. So I want to you to have this." Aella said as she handed the girl a bag full of new warm clothes and a map of the Earth Kingdom. "I understand Cole might join you in your quest. I only pray you both will be safe. Cole is like the son I never had, and you are like the daughter I've never had…" Aella said as her eyes glistened.
Aeron smiled warmly, she was grateful. "Thank you, Aella." Aeron said as she held the bag close.
Lifting his head up from the mud plastered on his cheek and chest. Aang gasped a breath as he looked up at the canopy above. Small traces of sunlight broke through the thick branches as the murky green surrounded the airbender. Standing up slowly, a strange feeling tugged at the Avatar. He couldn't pin-point the new emotion as he started to walk into the unknown forest. Step after step the strong feeling clinged to his heart, what was it? What was calling out to him?
Aang stopped as he thought he heard a voice.
Turning his head he saw a glowing orb of light fly pass him. Crying out in surprise, Aang watched the flickering light encircle him. "Will you tell me why I'm here?" Aang asked the glowing light, wishing for an answer.
The light flickered twice as it started to drift away into the dark green scenery.
"Wait! Come back!" Aang called out as he followed the orb.
As Aang leaped from a root then back into the water, a flashback of the last time he was here crossed his mind.
'This is where I saw her…My visions of Toph.' Aang thought as familiar voice came into his mind.
'In the swamp we see visions…
The sight of Aang's face came into view becoming more frantic as he continued to run.
Out of instinct Aang cried out the first name he could think of…
"Toph!" Aang yelled out.
Not expecting an answer, Aang was surprised to hear the earthbender's shocking cry, "Aang?!"
Aang stopped dead in his tracks as he turned around, "Toph?! Where are you? Are you here?" Aang called out.
"Aang! I can't believe it's you! Please help me!" Toph cried out as her voice echoed.
"Toph what are you doing here?!" Aang called out as he continued to look for her.
"I ran away, Aang…I wanted to go see you, I-I'm lost!" Toph nearly cried out happy to hear the airbender's voice.
The old man from the swamp, Hue's voice continued to ring in Aang's ears.
…of people we've lost.'
"Just stay where you are, Toph! I'll find you!" Aang shouted as he came into a clearing. His eyes widen lightly as he saw the small blind girl standing in the swampy mud.
"Toph…" Aang said softly relieved he found her.
'People we loved…
Toph lifted her head up, a happy expression shined across her face. "Twinkle-Toes!" Toph cried out with a smile.
…folks we think are gone. But the swamp tells us they're not.'
Aang smiled as he started to walk up to her.
'We're still connected to'em…
Just then as Aang inched closer Toph screamed out.
"What's wrong?!" Aang asked as Toph lifted her leg.
"Something grabbed my leg!" Toph cried out feeling disgusted.
"Haha, it's probably just an elbow leech. Come let's get out of here and find Appa." Aang laughed out as he stepped closer through the thick mud.
Then before, the Avatar's eyes. He saw Toph's sightless eyes widen in fear, "Aang…" Toph managed to say before she plumped underneath the dark water, straight down into it's unknown depths.
Aang screamed in horror, "TOPH!" Aang yelled as he ran to the spot Toph disappeared.
Digging in the mud, the airbender tried to reach her, "No! No! Toph! Toph!" Aang screamed as he dug into the muck.
Hue's voice again echoed in his mind.
…Time is an illusion'
Tears formed in the airbender's eyes as the feeling of a hollow emptiness filled his heart. The boy started to panic as he as dug further into the mud only to have more water seep into the hole.
"Toph!" Aang cried out to the top of his lungs as his voice echoed outward. As the scene backed up into the view of the huge canopy the final words plagued the airbender's mind.
'And so is death…'
Oh no! What happened to Toph?!?! Oh my, the second Zutara kiss! Yay! Stay tune and please, please review and comment!!!! You'll get a speeder update!
