Book 4 Air
Chapter 43 To Follow
Katara walked out of her bedroom, fully dressed in her last kimono. A vast design of lines formed with pine, bamboo, red shelled tortoises, white plum blossoms threads that were bundled and tied with the most formal and expensive obi. A golden maru sash tied on her waist. The cherry red background flattered a single gold crest designed on the back of her dress. Along with her beautiful dress was her unique hair style. The girl's hair was in a braided bun style with two amber, ivory pins tucked at the very ends of her braid. Katara looked breathe-taking.
Walking down the hall, the waterbender then noticed a tall young man dressed in royal clothing was standing near the entrance hall. It was Zuko.
The young lord bowed to Katara as he took her hand and led her to the doorway. "Come, uncle will be meeting us by the gates." Zuko said as Katara nodded her head. As the two teens walked to the front gates, Iroh met them by two gold and red palanquins nearby.
"What are those?" Katara asked as she pointed to the carriages.
"They will be your transportation to the market." Iroh said as he pulled back the curtain for the waterbender.
"We can just walk; it's only on the outskirts of the capital." Katara said as Zuko smirked.
"We must keep up with the demands of traditions I'm afraid. Come, I'll join you." Zuko said as he led Katara into the palanquin. Katara sighed as she got inside the small curtained box. Once seated, Zuko sat next to her. Katara's heart raced as she blushed. He was so close.
"Don't be too embarrassed, I don't like riding these things either." Zuko whispered to Katara as he chuckled.
Katara smiled warmly, 'this might be kind of fun…' Katara thought as four men lifted the palanquin up off the ground.
Branches tossed along the ground as leaves twirled wildly over the island as the Hurricane Wing pushed her winds forward. The scene of a rocking boat rowing through the choppy waves continued to pass by the massive rocks along the cliff side. Once on a small mound of sand along the small bay, eight pirates and two females retreated the boat off shore. Azula smirked, "Kyoshi Island…" the princess whispered softly to herself as she looked up the high cliff in front of her, towering with bamboo trees on the top.
"Head to the west side of the cliff side." Azula ordered out loud as the men walked over to the edge of the rocky earth looking up. "Princess, the cliff is too steep. We'll have to move further down to be able to make it to the village." A pirate said to Azula as he mapped out the scenery in front of him, experienced with landscapes.
"Who's the one in charge here?!" Azula barked out as she jerked her finger, pointing to the cliff side. "I ordered you all to go this way! Don't make me repeat myself!" Azula yelled angrily.
Four of men obeyed the fire princess as they clumsily climbed up the rigid earth. Turning her attention to the other men, Azula glared at them. All four tensed as they quickly followed the other mates upward, afraid of the Fire Nation woman's wrath.
Azula smiled lightly, noticing someone behind her. Azula turned her head, "Come Mai, let us go this way." Azula said as she walked over to a small trail that led safety up the cliff and into the forest above.
Mai watched Azula walk off as she turned her attention back to the struggling men climbing the mountain side. Shaking her head slightly, Mai made up her mind and followed Azula.
Step by step, the palanquin draws closer to the capital's edge. As Katara looked through the red curtain. The slow pace was exciting yet kind of embarrassing for the water tribeswoman. She wasn't used to such royal treatment, yet she knew this was something she would have to get used to.
Looking over, Katara glanced at the man next to her. Zuko appeared to be relaxed as he continued to watch the scenery around him which was slightly hidden from the see-through red curtains. It was pleasant to be near him, Katara thought as she smiled softly.
Before Katara knew it, the palanquin stopped then lowered on the ground. Once outside, Katara noticed the busy marketplace full of the citizens. Children running down the path, playing with an orange ball, while adults were seen walking along the market stands and merchants selling their priceless antiques. It was a peaceful setting for the waterbender to see. Zuko has seemed to have done his part in being order to the townspeople, Katara was impressed.
Standing by the Fire Lord's side, Katara then saw Iroh walk up behind them. "Now then, shall we see what the merchants have to offer on this fine day?" The old general said as he walked ahead to the two.
Zuko held out his arm to Katara, "Shall we?" The Fire Lord said as the waterbender smiled.
"Of course…" Katara said as she wrapped her arm around the lord's.
Walking along the white clay stone path, Katara glanced at the many stands of jewelry and clothes. They were all beautiful in their own unique way, yet it wasn't Katara's style. As Katara looked over at the Fire Lord, she noticed his slight distasted expression. Obviously he didn't enjoy shopping as much as his carefree uncle, but the girl wished he'd lightened up a little. Gently tugging his arm, Katara smiled at Zuko. The lord turned his gaze toward her. Noticing her soft smile and sweet motion, Zuko smiled lightly back.
Just then a small child accidently bumped into Katara's left side. Slightly startled Katara looked down; the child looked up at the young woman. Seeing the lord by her side, the child quickly bowed his head apologizing deeply. Katara smiled warmly, "It's alright." Katara said in a motherly tone as she lifted the child's head up from bowing.
The child's eyes glistened as his face expressed slight shock from the kind woman's words and gesture.
The child then smiled brightly as he then left the two laughing. Zuko was impressed how Katara treated the young boy; it was somehow touching in his eyes.
Katara turned her head and smiled softly at Zuko then she continued to walk on, following Iroh. Zuko stood for a moment then smiled to himself. This day just might prove to be interesting.
Reaching the top of the cliff side, Mai looked out at the sea. The waves were calming against the wind's current. The first sign of the storm's next move, the long wait before the final blow. It was a known fact to many people, including Mai. She started to worry, what if the hurricane hits the island while they're on it?
Now all, the girl wanted was to leave this place, and somehow get to the Fire Nation in one piece.
Turning her attention to the princess, Azula appeared to be mumbling to herself again. Her words were shallow and apparently dark against her vermillion colored lips. Her eyes appeared to be focused at the trees ahead; her once bright golden eyes were almost sinister as she then closed her eyes.
"Are those dogs almost here yet?" Azula spitted out with venom.
Mai looked over at the forest ahead, "It would seem they'll be here soon." Mai said softly as a breeze swayed her long hair.
"Heh, come on, I can't wait any longer." Azula said as she started to walk into the dark shadowed trees.
Mai was reluctant to follow but she thought it was best rather that staying on the edge of a cliff side.
Following the fire princess into the forest, Mai took a heavy sigh as she thought of a way to stop the young woman.
'What can I do?' Mai thought as she walked along the dirt path.
Setting a small shelter over the long branches, Ty Lee and some other Kyoshi warriors made camp. The once hyper playful circus performer now a warrior of Kyoshi thought quietly to herself. So much has happened ever since the defeat of Ozai. She wondered how thing will turn out for her and her new friends.
Before Ty Lee took another breathe a loud crack was heard. The Kyoshi warriors stood their ground as they looked out into the dark scenery. Something was out there.
"Stay low and quiet." One warrior whispered as she grabbed her fan from her belt.
Before the other girls had time to move forward, a sharp zip sound echoed throughout the area as a sudden tug enclosed their uniforms. They were stuck along the tree bark and ground. What happened? Were they under attack?
Looking over Ty Lee gasped, she recognized the knifes that pinned her to the tree.
A sudden laugh broke the silence as two figures walked out of the forest. Ty Lee's eyes widen, 'It can't be?'
"Azula! Mai!" Ty Lee cried out as the other warriors gasped in shock.
"Well, well looks like you've became one of the Avatar's fan girls…A traitor like all the rest." Azula said coldly as Ty Lee struggled to break free.
"Mai! Help! What are you doing? Why aren't you fighting her?" Ty Lee asked desperately as the other warriors tried to escape the sharp knifes that kept them in place.
"I'm sorry, Ty Lee. I'm with Azula now…" Mai said indifferently as she narrowed her eyes.
Ty Lee's face expressed fear and confused as tears whelmed up at the corners of her eyes.
"Come on Mai, we have a village to destroy…" Azula said as she continued down the trail.
Mai started to follow as she then looked back at Ty Lee. A small glisten in her eyes quietly apologized to her friend for allowing this. It had to be done…
As Mai left, she could hear Ty Lee crying out for her. Yelling and cursing her as a traitor.
Yes…She was a traitor, to her people, to her friends, to everyone she ever loved. But she had to do it, because it was the right thing to do…
Up ahead, Mai saw the small Kyoshi village. This was it…
There was no stopping now…
The view of a huge bison flying through the harsh winds was seen as the beast dodge through lightening bolts and strong currents. Aang screamed out, his cry blocked from the loud rolling thunder. Rain drenched the boy and his bison as memories of his previous attempts flying through a storm usually would fail. Why? Why did he continue to fight the storm?
Once he ran away from his past…The second time he saved two lives who were lost…And now? He'll save the person he loves…
Toph…
Stinging into his eyes and face, Aang tried to open his gray orbs. Nothing but cold rain and dark clouds pass by his vision. Looking over, Aang called out to Appa.
"Fly lower, Appa. We need to get to lower ground!" Aang screamed at the top of his lungs as the powerful winds distorted his already hoarse voice. The bison bellowed a low roar as he lifted his tail up then flew downward hovering over the sea.
Waves rolled and crashed against the current as mists of salt splashed in the airbender's face.
Land…He had to find land, any solid earth and make shelter.
Aang continued to grip tightly on the reins, so tightly that his knuckles turned ghostly white as he grinded his teeth. For a mere second the loud sounds of thunder, lightening and hollering winds suddenly stopped. All was quiet, completely deaf to the boy's ears as he turned his head back. A large wall of water formed behind him, a wave crashing down on him and Appa. Sucked under the strong currents, Aang held his breathe as the rolling waves tossed his body back and forth violently. His tight grip released the reins as he was pulled away from his bison and into the depths of the black sea.
I hope you like it! More action will continue next chapter! PLEASE review for a fast ipdate!
