Book 4 Air
Chapter 38 Hardened
The view of the swamp came into sight as a lone figure slowly walked in the dense marsh. The Avatar's eyes were firm as dirt smeared along his face. His heart hardened as he continued his search for Appa. Walking into a clearing, Aang lifted his head noticing a few looming figures from the corner of his eye. It was Hue and a few unfamiliar swamp waterbenders. Turning his attention to Hue, the old man walked up to him. "Looks here someone lost their bison." Hue said with a light smile as he led the large animal through the clearing. Appa roared happily seeing Aang. The airbender smiled faintly as he bowed to the leader. "Thank you." The boy said emotionlessly as he then jumped up on Appa's saddle and gripped on the reins.
"Yip-Yip…" Aang said in a hollow monotoned voice as the bison raised his massive tail and took off into the skies.
The other waterbenders scratched their heads in confusion from the Avatar's unusual expression and sharpness. "Whada' think his pro'blem?" one of the benders asked out loud.
"He's lookin' for answers." Hue said with wisdom as he watched the bison soar off into the distance.
Pulling away from the Fire Lord's kiss, Katara was breathless and blushing deeply. Zuko pulled away staring deeply into the girl's eyes. "Zuko…" Katara said softly.
"Yes?" Zuko said as he remained in a light daze.
"Is it true? Is your mother really alive?" Katara asked seriously as she broke the love like spell she held over the Fire Lord. His face tensed as his eyes glistened. "I am hoping she is…Ever since Ozai's demise. I have had no other leads." Zuko said feeling slightly disappointed from the sudden change of mood.
"I-I want to do anything I can to help you find her." Katara said as she looked deeply into the man's eyes.
Zuko was grateful for the girl's vow and strong determination in helping him. But there was nothing he could do-all he could do was to rule his nation and to help restore order, along side the beautiful waterbender.
"Come on, let's get ready for the evening. Uncle apparently has another surprise." Zuko said as he led Katara out of the room.
Walking on the wooden ship, Mai sighed with a slight bore. The weather continued to cast a gray cloudy sky as the light drizzle soaked the dock. It made Mai's mood less far from being excited. The girl then her gaze at a creature perched on the rail. The reptile like bird squawked at her with a high screech. Narrowing her eyes, Mai turned and then walked up to the other side of the deck gazing over at the choppy waves below. She wasn't sure what to think so far. Being forced to end her relationship with the Fire Lord, casted away in some boring Earth Kingdom town, then unwillingly join the escaped crazed Fire Nation princess only to be on a ship full of dangerous pirates.
It was a serious change all at once for the noblewoman. Yet it was alright in the end. Mai realized she must have some importance in all this. Of course she doesn't believe in fate or destiny. But she'll point out the conceivable aspects of it.
Noting that most of the men were off board, Mai took her time to observe her surroundings. The captain deck was a few feet behind her with a few piles of rope and barrels. The large sail swayed in the cold Southern breeze as Mai lifted her head toward the sky.
'I love him more than I fear her…' Mai told herself as she closed her eyes.
Two feet landed on a limestone pathway in front of two large gates. Lifting his head high, Aang stomped through the Bei Fong estate. Servants back away, allowing the Avatar to pass as he walked through the courtyard. "Where are they? Where is Sir Bei Fong!" Aang called out as he urged to see the nobleman.
"Please wait here, Sir…Mister Avatar." A servant woman said with a respectable bow.
Shortly after the tall nobleman walked out. His face unreadable. "Why have you come? Avatar Aang?" the man asked hiding his wearily expression.
"It's your daughter…Something happened." Aang said hesitantly.
The mention of his little girl alerted the distraught man as his wife gasped behind him, "What happened! Where's my Toph!" the mother cried out.
"She…She was taken…kidnapped." Aang said trying to find the right words to say.
The man tensed, "I knew this day would come…" the nobleman said with a dismayed tone.
"What do you know? Please tell me…" Aang begged as he stared at the man.
"Come Avatar Aang, let us discuss this in private." The man said as he walked into the building.
Aang clenched his fist as he followed Toph's parents into their home.
There you go! Stay tune for Azula's departure to the Fire Nation, along with Toph's disappearance finally explained! Please review!!!!!
