Book 4 Air
Chapter 45 Troubled
The view of an earthen ship traveling at a slow pace was seen across over Fire Nation Territory. A woman stayed locked in her small cabin with a porthole to give her light in the room. Ursa wasn't sure where she was going or even where she was. But it didn't matter, she will find out soon enough.
Sighing lightly, the woman rested her hands on her lap and closed her eyes as she remained on the edge of her cot, thinking quietly.
Every once and a while, the Fire Nation woman would remember her children and wonder how they are doing. She knew from reports in the city that the Fire Lord Ozai was defeated, and a new king was to rule. She knew no doubt it was her son. Her beautiful son…
No word was mention about her daughter or her husband or what has become of them. It pained her to know Ozai might be chained up in some prison and her daughter without her father or mother. Ursa knew after she heard of her son's new reign, which due to that fact, she knew she could go back to the Fire Nation and finally reunite with him. But Ursa never had the courage to.
Everything she has done was to protect him and even now, she thought it was best not to see him. 'He's safe…' Ursa thought as she sighed…As long as her son was protected and safe…She knew she could move on.
For a woman as dedicated as Ursa was, she knew her time will come soon and she would have no regrets.
Turning her head, Ursa looked out the small window. The sight of waves and ocean blue surrounding off into the horizon was a pleasant sight for Ursa as she then lowered her head.
Flashes of her son came into her mind as the sight of her smiling husband kissing her softly, visions of her little baby girl giggling up at her and the sight of a warm summer day made Ursa smile to herself.
Those were the best years of her life…Being a devoted wife and mother in the palace.
A single tear fell from her cheek as she fought not to cry. How she missed her family…So very much.
Zuko took another step along the title floor of the entrance, only to stop and look back at Katara. She seemed to be thinking about something as she was seen staring off at the city behind her.
"What's wrong, Katara?" Zuko asked as he turned his head.
Katara turned her attention to the Fire Lord; she couldn't help but reveal such a worried expression in front of him. Something didn't feel right to her.
"Have you received any messages about Kyoshi Island?" Katara asked.
"Katara, we talked about this…I haven't heard anything, you shouldn't worry." Zuko said trying to reassure the girl.
Katara narrowed her eyes, ever since she has stayed in the Fire Nation. Thoughts of her loved ones being hurt or in danger have flooded her mind. Like when her father and Gran-Gran left the Fire Nation to return to her homeland. Visions of their ship sinking or being held hostage plagued her thoughts. Pakku, her Master and new grandfather…He apparently was still here, settled on the northern islands near Su Forest. Maybe if she talked to him about her troubled thoughts, she'll feel better.
"I want to see Pakku. I need to talk to him." Katara said sternly as her eyes glistened.
Zuko sighed; he knew he couldn't get through the stubborn waterbender. Perhaps her talk with the old Master will help her. Much like Zuko's deep conversations with his uncle, and how they've helped him.
"If you wish to talk to your grandfather, I'll schedule an appointment after I see him later this evening." Zuko said hoping to see the firm man. He usually wouldn't attend the meetings like he was suppose to, instead he would talk to Zuko's advisor and do things his way.
Taking a step forward Zuko walked up to Katara and tenderly kissed her forehead, "I'll be sure you'll see him, Katara." Zuko said softly as Katara blushed.
"Now then, prepare yourself for dinner this evening. I'll be in my study if you need to find me." Zuko said as he turned to leave.
Katara lowered her head as she watched Zuko walk pass the front gates. Gazing up into the sky, Katara quietly wondered how things will turn out.
Rain fell from the dark clouds above as the view of a woman inching to the large building was seen. Azula snaked her way to the main doorway, her moments were quick and lithely as she placed her hand on the door handle. Narrowing her eyes, Azula held her breath. Busting the door open, Azula aim her finger tips in front of her preparing for any attack. Much to her surprise, no one was to seen.
All that was in front of her was a flickering fire place and tossed blankets on the floor.
Azula sneered, it didn't make any sense. Where were the villagers?
Just as soon as she entered a loud boom was heard as the roar of pirates running into the room, swinging their swords and weapons in the air. "Be still!" Azula yelled as the men stopped looking around. Mai soon followed as she folded her arms underneath her sleeves.
'Perfect…' Mai thought, 'Now we just have to leave before any one else comes back.' Mai thought as she recalled her recent action.
Mai knew she had to do something fast before Azula and the pirates attacked the innocent villagers. While Azula was talking to the men, Mai slipped aside and ran to the main building. Once inside she warned the people to escape and hide. Sokka was the first to notice and recognize the girl. Before he had a chance to say anything, the girl pushed the villagers out from the back door.
"You all must leave!" Mai cried out as Sokka then grabbed her wrist.
"What's going on?!" Sokka asked as he stared into the girl's dull eyes.
"Believe me! You all must go! Azula is here, along with the despicable pirates!" Mai whispered as she looked into the warrior's eyes.
Sokka's eyes narrowed, "Alright…" Sokka said as he then released Mai's hand and turned to the villagers. "Listen, everyone! We have to get out of here and form our plan! The pirates have arrived, quickly everyone to the back!" Sokka cried out as he then turned to Mai.
"Hurry, come with us." Sokka said as Mai back away.
"I can't…I'm with her." Mai said as she lowered her head in shame.
"You're betraying her?" Sokka said as a group of villagers ran pass him.
"It's not like I haven't done that before." Mai said almost in a derided tone.
"I need to go back, please take the villagers and make sure they're safe." Mai said firmly.
Sokka smiled, "Don't worry I will…" Sokka said as he turned to the villagers leaving.
"Oh shit! Wait, Suki is still out there!" Sokka cursed as he looked back at the noblewoman. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she won't be harmed." Mai said as she shooed her hands. "Now go!" Mai whispered as Sokka nodded his head. Once he and the villagers left Mai quickly returned to the small group outside behind the trees.
'I hope they make it out…' Mai thought.
"What should we do princess?" One of the pirates asked as Azula gripped her hands.
"Burn this place to the ground…" Azula said darkly as she headed to the door.
Just as Azula left the room, she walked out and noticed a figure running through the village. It was a Kyoshi warrior. Smirking coldly, Azula was pleased. She'll have her fight after all.
Looking over his documents, Zuko sighed. He has been recently neglecting his work lately, thus making this all the more stressful for him. Resting his chin on his palm, Zuko read over some paperwork about the raging storm that took nearly one hundred lives and almost five hundred injured along the shore lines, also nearly a million gold brick worth in damage. It was amazing how much the storm has done over the course of twelve hours. Even so, there was very little Zuko could do and it frustrated him.
"Fire Lord Zuko?" a man asked as Zuko lifted his head.
"Hello Uncle." Zuko said as he rubbed the bridge of his brow.
"A lot has happened in these few months, hasn't it?" Iroh said as he looked over at the table.
"Indeed…" Zuko said as he brushed a few papers on the left side of the table.
"Perhaps you should take a few days off. Why not take Miss Katara to the springs?" Iroh said hoping to spark some more interest for the couple.
"I can't uncle, I already have been putting this aside for too long. I need to do what I can as a lord of this nation." Zuko said almost tired to admit his responsibilities.
"With all respect, Fire Lord Zuko; you know you need some time off. This will only make all your hard work meaningless if you are to get ill. It is not good for your mind and your health if you continue." Iroh said full of wisdom.
"I'll think about it uncle." Zuko said.
"Good. Now prepare yourself for dinner. I heard the chef will be making roast duck." Iroh said as his smile gleamed with joy.
"Very well…" Zuko said as he sat up and left his study.
Katara walked to her old room, forgetting about her new quarters. She reached for the door handle, Ming then walked up to her. "Your new bedroom chambers are this way." The woman said as Katara nodded her head quietly.
Walking down the hall, further into the West Wing, Katara noted the high ceilings and red décor around her.
As she followed Ming, Katara saw two amazingly huge doors with two dragon's heads formed as door handles. Walking pass it she asked what was behind those doors.
"It is the lord's bed chambers, Katara." Ming said as she led the waterbender to her room.
"Here are your quarters." Ming said as she opened the two smaller doors.
Katara thanked Ming as she walked in. Katara was in awe as she saw her new bedroom. The vast hall and room was more like a small house. As she entered down the hall, it opened up to a center piece of the dome like entrance. A round cherry table with a huge bouquet of fire lilies and dark red roses, above the beautiful piece was a large golden crystal chandelier shining its bright candles around the around room. Tracing her fingers over the soft petals, Katara continued to walk deeper into her bedroom. As the hall opened up into a bigger room, she noticed on her left a whole wall plastered with windows from top to bottom.
Long gauzy red curtains swayed to the side, as Katara's eyes traveled to the source of light on the bottom. Next to her was a fire mantle and fire pit facing her bed. The bed was at least double in size compared to her other bed. A large canopy dressed over the bed with fine gold silk. The pillows looked inviting as she smiled. She knew she would be sleeping well tonight. Drifting her eyes to the right, Katara noticed two doors on either side of the hall behind her. Opening the one of the left, Katara's eyes widen. It was a walk-in closet full of new kimonos and different shoes and boots. Iroh must have got them from their shopping earlier.
Smiling, Katara closed the door then looked at the door on the right. Opening it she gasped at her new bathroom. The tub was more like a small pool decorated in gold steel and iron plating. Katara walked in and saw a long gold pipe trail upward then slightly tilt downward with a round head. The long tube like appliance was surrounded with glass walls around it. Opening the thin glass door, Katara then reached for the nozzle. Turning it clockwise, Katara yelped as water poured out from the head above her. This device reminder her like a type of waterfall, it was amazing.
Her new room was so incredible; she looked forward to sleeping here tonight.
Opening his eyes, Aang cupped his hand over his head as he moaned. Where was he? Was he dead?
Sitting up Aang felt the moist sand under him as the wet fur touched his arm. Looking over he saw Appa still unconscious. Wobbly standing up, Aang slowly took a few steps. He was on land, but where exactly?
Looking around he noticed the small reef stretched out from the waves. His right bruised eye and other widen. He made it, he was on Kyoshi Island!
Shifting his weight to the side, Aang made his effort to walk up the hill side and to the village. He had to find the Kyoshi warriors.
Once Katara was seated in the dining room with her new kimono, she noticed Zuko wasn't there at the head of the table. Was he late? Did he have another meeting?
Katara brushed her thoughts aside as she saw Iroh walk in. The old general was dressed in a burgundy kimono with black hakama pants. The seal of a red dragon etched in on his sleeve was seen in gold trimmings. "You look very nice this evening, General Iroh." Katara said as the old man bowed. "As do you, Miss Katara." Iroh said as he admired the vivid red colors on the young waterbender's body.
"Will Fire Lord Zuko be arriving soon?" Katara asked.
"It will come by shortly. I believe he was speaking with one of his advisors." Iroh said as he rubbed his beard.
Katara nodded her head as she fidgeted her fingers under the table.
The air became thin as the rain stopped drenching the island. Suki huffed as she ran up the short hill to the main building. In her view she saw someone standing tall dressed in black and red clothing. Her eyes widen as she recognized the fierce golden eyes of the woman. Quickly hauling in her steps, Suki grabbed her fan out ready for an attack. Azula smirked as she reached into her pocket pulling out two small stones of flint. With a snap of her fingers and a clack of the stones a spark shot through the air and a wave of her arm. A trail of fire fanned out into the astrosphere. Suki stood back as she swung her fan disuniting the flames from reaching her.
"Wanna a re-match?" Suki stated as she prepared for another attack.
"Oh, more than you know…" Azula sneered as she started to run wildly at the girl.
Suki stood her ground as she narrowed her eyes. What was she doing? Azula never charged so crazily to her opponent like in her previous fights. She was off somehow? Plus why wasn't she firebending?
Suki grabbed the handle of her fan as she bunged Azula's attack. The Fire Nation woman was carrying a slender falchion knife in her grasp. Pulling out a hidden katana underneath her sleeve, Suki blocked the sword from slicing her in two. Pushing Azula back with all of her weight, she cried out. Once Azula backed off the two stared at each other.
'She's so strong…I don't think I can fight her off for long.' Suki thought as she inhaled sharply.
Zuko entered into the dining room. His face appeared stoic and serious.
"Nephew, what troubles you?" Iroh asked as Katara patiently waited for an answer.
"It's nothing…" Zuko said hiding the information he received from his advisor.
'They don't need to know right now…' Zuko thought as he sat down.
As the servants served plates of food to each member on the table, Zuko pulled one of the men aside. "May you bring me the Dragon Seal selection please?" Zuko asked as the man nodded and bowed his head.
"The Dragon Seal selection, Fire Lord Zuko I didn't know you how such taste for dry wine." Iroh said almost disgusted.
"Please uncle, no lectures. I have a headache." Zuko said as he rubbed his head.
"The dragon seal?" Katara mumbled as Iroh looked at her.
"Yes, it's a famous wine throughout the Fire Nation; of course not many drink due to its bitter dry taste. I for one, can't stand it. It leaves a sandy texture in my mouth. I favor blush type wines, so fruitful and delicious." Iroh said as he lifted his glass and took a sip of the red wine.
Katara nodded her head in understanding as she watched Zuko barely touch his food.
Feeling slightly modest, Katara subconsciously picked at her food as well. Is not like she didn't enjoy it, by far it wonderful; she just felt bad to eat and not have Zuko eat at all.
"Nephew? Are you sure you're alright? You barely touched your plate." Iroh said as a servant walked in carrying the bottle of dragon seal to the lord. Once the servant poured his lord the glass, Zuko chugged it down in a single gulp then grunt slightly as the back of his throat burned.
"I'm not hungry, uncle." Zuko said as he curtly stood up and took the whole bottle of wine with him.
"I'm retiring for the night." Zuko said wearily as he left.
'Zuko…' Katara thought as she excused herself and followed the lord.
I hope you liked it so far! Please review and comment! I'll update faster!
