Book 4 Air

Chapter 39 An Agreement

Two figures were seen walking down a vast red hallway, scroll hung on the walls enriched with golden paper. Zuko walked side by side Katara as they held hands together comfortably. Entering into the dining quarters of the Western wing, Zuko thought over what his uncle had plan.

'Knowing him, it would be something to benefit his love for tea.' Zuko thought a small smile curved his lips.

Once the two teens walked up to the two doors, Zuko lightly tighten his hold of Katara's hand before releasing it. The waterbender smiled as she and the Fire Lord entered the dining room.

There seated at the table as the Dragon of the West, sipping on a cup of steaming tea. "Ah, have you both come to join me, enjoying some tea?" Iroh said with a smile as he took another sip.

Zuko took a step forward, "No uncle, you said you needed to speak to Katara and I?" Zuko asked as he waited for his uncle to finish his last sip.

Lightly placing the cup down, Iroh turned his head with a light smile. "Yes, I received news that the Avatar will be arriving soon." Iroh said almost displeased by the information.

Zuko blinked a strong hold of guilt rose in his chest. Aang will be coming back-will Zuko then have to be formal with Katara? Distance himself from her in order to decrease the Avatar's jealousy? No…He is engaged with the waterbender. He shouldn't have to hide his feelings to anyone.

Lifting his head up, Zuko spoke.

"Was there any news informing Kyoshi Island?" Zuko asked.

Iroh shook his head, "No, but I believe this Sir Sokka and Miss Suki have arrived and working hard." Iroh said.

"Why do you ask, Zuko?" Katara said as she became interested.

Zuko turned his head to the girl, "There have been sighting of pirates in the area. I am only concern if they were to attack the island." Zuko said.

"Don't worry, Zuko. My brother and Suki can handle it. With Sokka's mind and Suki's team, I doubt anything would go wrong." Katara said reassured of the two warrior's skills.

Zuko nodded his head, "Yes, I believe so as well." The Fire Lord said as he then asked Katara if she would like to sit down.

Katara nodded her head as Zuko seated the girl down. Iroh noticed the kind gesture from his nephew. He was pleased they were getting along.

After the two teens both seated, Iroh narrowed his eyes. "Zuko, there is something else I wish to talk to you about." Iroh said seriously.

Zuko subconsciously leaned forward, waiting for his uncle to speak.

"Before the councils left, I was informed of they're praise for Miss Katara. They want her to visit the royal training grounds, to perform her bending abilities." Iroh said as he then turned his gaze to the waterbender.

"It is tradition, if the bride of the Fire Lord is a bender to perform their abilities in front of the councils." Iroh said as he spoke to Katara.

Katara was both nervous yet excited. For so long she wanted to practice on a bigger scale with her bending. To give it her all in both skill and technique, she knew she will please the two elders.

Katara smiled, "I look forward to it."


Sitting in the small entrance hall, Aang waited for Toph's parents to speak.

"It was when our daughter was born…" Toph's father said as he recalled the memory.

The fresh morning of spring filled the area as the sight of plum blossoms swayed in the breeze. A sorrowful cry escaped a woman's lips as she held in her arms her newborn daughter.

Her beautiful baby girl laid her mother's arms as if she were sleeping. Yet she never cried, never drank her mother's milk. It was as if her daughter was under a spell.

Taking their sick baby, to every known specialist in the Earth Kingdom; along with a waterbender healer, no one knew what was wrong the noble's daughter. Becoming desperate, the girl's father begged the unknown forces to heal their baby. He swore he would do anything to save her.

Later that evening, as the full moon rose high over the noble's estate. The father walked out to the courtyard-trying to wash away his depressed mood.

Just then a large formation of bubbles broke the surface of the garden's pond nearby him and a hollow voice spoke in the cold air.

"You wish to save your child?" the voice asked.

"Y-Yes! Who are you?" the man asked as he looked around him.

"I am a powerful spirit…I have heard of your child's misfortune. I'll be willing to heal your child and give her life, but for a price…" the voice said in a low tone.

"Anything…I'll give you whatever you want!" the man cried out.

"Allow me to take the girl's sight in exchange for her life." The voice said darkly.

"Her sight?" the man said thinking about the choice.

In doing so, his daughter will be blind and defend-less…He will protect her, he will make she lives a happy, full-filling life.

"Y-Yes! It's a deal!" the man said hoping he didn't just make the worse decision in his life.

"Very good…" the voice said as he chuckled wickedly.

As soon as it happened the voice disappeared and a distant sound rang through the area. It was an infant crying. "Toph!" the father exclaimed as he ran into his home.

Running up to his wife rocking her baby in her arms. The woman couldn't stop her tears from falling. "She's awake…" the mother said as she looked at her husband.

The man sighed with relief, "She going to be alright, my dear…" the father said as he hugged his wife and baby girl.

"She's going to be alright…" the man whispered as he looked down at his daughter's sightless pale, creamy green eyes.

"I knew that she would be safe in our care. But shortly after the news of you coming back. I've had recurring nightmares of a hideous demon stealing my precious Toph and that she was lost in complete darkness for eternality." The man said as he covered his eyes, trembling from his frightening experience. Shifting his weight, the man stiffened his posture then spoke more firmly as he glared at the Avatar.

"I knew your connection with the spirits and I knew it was too risky to let her meet you. You brought that spirit out, it is your fault Toph was kidnapped!" the man yelled out as he pointed to the boy.

"I can understand you are worried, but don't you dare think it was my doing!" Aang said in a loud tone.

"You were there, weren't you? Watching as my baby girl was taken from us!" the mother cried out as Aang narrowed his eyes.

There was no denying, how guilty Aang felt knowing that it happened, that he just stood there as Toph was taken underneath the watery depths. He did all he could for her then. But now it was different, now he will save her.

"If I am, indeed the one who had Toph kidnapped…Then I will be the one to bring her back!" Aang said determinedly as he stood up and left the room.

"You aren't going anywhere!" the nobleman called out as he stood from his chair.

Aang ignored the man as he continued out the door; the guards enclosed him from his exit as the airbender turned his head at the infuriated man.

"I am the only one who can enter into the spirit world. I am the only one who can save Toph Bei Fong. I will protect her." Aang said proudly as his eyes glistened.

Seeing the determination shine through the boy's eyes, the nobleman gave in as he sighed raising his hand, "Let the boy pass…" the man said as the guard moved aside letting the airbender out the door.

Once the Avatar left, the nobleman slumped into his chair.

"Dearest…" the wife said as she looked over at her husband concerned.

"I hope he does return with her…safely." the man said as he sighed.

The woman smiled lightly, "He will…" the wife said.


The sail flapped in the powerful breeze as the men crew haul up the tight ropes, steadying the currents of altitude against the strong winds. Mai watched from the small window as the storm raged on, rain pouring along the deck, drenching the people outside.

Mai turned her attention to Azula who picked up to stones. Its rough edges and abnormal shape suggested its form of flint. Mai's eyes slightly widened at what she saw. Azula clashed the stones together, producing fire on the wax candles. Azula…can't firebend anymore.

Mai set her jaw firmly as she wondered deeply, of how it happened.

Was it the Avatar's doing? Mai was certain that the Avatar performed some magical power by taking Ozai's bending away. So then why not Azula's? Or maybe she simply can't due to her unbalanced mind? Whatever the reason, Mai was unsure.

The fact that the princess is unable to bend was a great advantage for Mai, yet if it was only temporary-it can cause a terrible outcome for Mai's well being of getting hurt.

Mai thought knew what she could say to let the princess know she was unaware.

"Pretty cold, tonight…Isn't it?" Mai asked as she casually clenched her cloak.

"Hmm…Yes." Azula said as she gazed at the small flickering flame from the candle.

Just then the captain came in, "Looks like our trip will take longer than expected." The leader said as he took big wide steps.

"What? Why?" Azula asked infuriated how the seas always turn against her.

"The ocean is choppy, the rain won't quit. A huge storm is approaching fast. A hurricane no doubt, we'll have to set sail further south in the heart of the storm. Into the eye of the hurricane." The man said as a golden tooth was seen from his mouth as he talked.

"It will set us off course! We'll be delayed for a day longer than intended!" Azula yelled out in both frustration and anger as she snapped at the captain.

"We have no choice. The currents are in command of the ship…If we push through it we'll risk complications further on." The man said growing tired of the princess ordering him around.

"Fine then…" Azula said as a headache formed on her temple, not wanting to discuss any more.

The captain nodded his head and left. Azula sat down on the bunk bed and sighed. Mai narrowed her eyes. Azula never gave in like that. She always would have her way, when she wanted it. Yet now, she willingly let the captain in control. She was slipping again, Mai smiled lightly.

Perhaps she can use this against the princess and in time, defeat her completely.


More on Sokka and Suki, Zuko, and Katara, and Aeron and Cole next chapter! Please review if you want a fast update!!!