Book 4 Air

Chapter 54 Clandestine

"Aren't you excited Azula?" Ty Lee exclaimed trying to make the news sound joyful.

Azula rested her head on the pillow, her hair fanned out over the side and in her face. "I have no desire to return…" Azula said lightly as her voice sounded hollow.

"Azula you have to go…What about your brother? I bet he'll be happy to see you" Ty Lee said trying to change the girl's mind.

Azula's eyes drifted to the side, "I tried to kill him…He wouldn't want to see me, unless I were dead." Azula said darkly as she closed her eyes.

Ty Lee sighed, she hated to see the fire princess so down, so hopeless.

"The Avatar has offered to help you, Azula. You must go with him." Mai said sternly.

Azula said nothing as she ignored the girl's words.

"I will go with you." Mai said as her eyes narrowed and her lips curved into a soft smile.

It got the princess's attention, lifting her head up then her body slowly, Azula spoke. "You must be joking…You were ban to ever return." Azula said as her words echoed in Mai's mind.

"I know…Yet I will return to the Fire Nation, with you by my side." Mai said not changing her decision.

Azula thinned her lips, if she were to return she would just be placed in prison again. She rather stay away and live a quiet life alone.

"I am content here…I'm not going…" Azula said as she closed her eyes.

Mai sighed, Azula had to go. Sure, she was stabled now, but what if she lost it again?

"You are going, and that's final." Mai said sternly as she lost her patience. Gazing at Azula for a moment, Mai then left the room, irritated.

Azula turned her head and scoffed. 'I will not go; neither her nor anyone else will make me.'

Ty Lee sighed as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Azula then laid her head down on the pillow. Ty Lee then lightly combed the Azula's hair to the side softly as she hummed a light tune trying her best to calm the now crying girl.


Finishing her final letter with a printed red seal, Katara handed Ming the last scroll. "Please be sure they are sent." Katara said the servant girl. Ming bowed as she then left Katara's room.

Sighing to herself, Katara wondered how her talk with Pakku will turn out. She knew the man was stern and harsh with his stubborn culture behind him. Yet, she needed that push. To be told what she should do in a strict matter. Only her waterbending master could do it.

Walking to her new closet, Katara opened the cherry doors. Pulling out a long robe, Katara then dressed herself. The robe wasn't as detailed as her other kimonos; its light material was a sleek silk of dark burgundy with black on the collar. Pulling out one of the sashes, Katara tied the belt around her waist of black velvet.

She then walked over to the huge glass mirror from her dresser. Picking up a gold brush with thick bristles, Katara combed her hair out then tied a small bun with a small black band. Placing the brush down, Katara then walked over and slipped on two black sandals beaded with small dark red garnet gems over the top.

Walking up to the door, Katara traced her fingertips lightly on the wooden frame. 'I hope everything will go well…' Katara thought as she left her room then walked down the hallway to the antechamber.


Escorted by two guards, Katara gracefully walked to the front gates away from the palace as she was led in front of a small carriage. Once inside, she closed her eyes.

As the carriage started to move, Katara then gazed out the small window. The sight of the nobles houses were seen as the tall thick white walls blocked the rest of the girl's view. Folding her arms over her chest, the waterbender hugged herself lightly. Katara became nervous as she noticed the small hillside of a single house, a short distance away. The carriage hauled to a light stop, as a guard member opened the doorway for the waterbender. Once out of the carriage, Katara was in awe of the area.

Away from the Upper district and the lower homes of the townspeople, the small guest house was planted nicely in the natural settings of the Fire Nation, much like a small cottage in the Earth Kingdom.

Walking up the grassy hill, Katara stepped up to the door. Once in front of the house, Katara noticed the fine plastered adobe walls of white clay and red roof titles over the trusses top. Lighting tapping her hand on the door, Katara sighed inaudibly.

The door of thick oak opened as the sight of an aged waterbender was seen. "Ah, Katara…Iroh told me that you were coming. Please come in." Pakku said as he moved to the side allowing Katara entrance.

As Katara stepped inside then seated by the table, Pakku narrowed his eyes at the girl. "I have heard you were chosen to wed the Fire Lord." Pakku said as Katara tensed.

"Yes." Katara said faintly as she fiddled with her fingers on her lap.

"How does it make you feel, are you honored?" Pakku asked as Katara blinked as she thought about what to say.

"Yes, I am…I-I have also learned to accept it, I'm doing what I can to help our people and the world." Katara said honestly as she lightly frowned.

Pakku noticed her slight expression as he took a step forward. "Katara, you know as well as I, that there's a deep divergence on you." Pakku said as this situation reminded him of Kanna's rebellion in his younger years.

The one thing Pakku feared was that like Kanna, Katara would run away from the stress and confusion. He had to know if the girl was truly committed to this.

"Katara… I think it'll be best if you just wait before-" Pakku started to say before the girl in front of him gripped her head. "I know! I know!" Katara yelled out as she shut her eyes.

"I'm so confused …With everything that has happened…I-I think I might actually be in love with him!" Katara confessed as Pakku lifted his right eyebrow. "Who? The Avatar?" Pakku asked as Katara shook her head.

"No…Zuko." Katara said as she let her hands fall down to her lap.

Pakku's eyes glistened slightly as the girl tried to fight and not cry in front of him. This wasn't a big surprise to him…Pakku had figured there was a strong connection between the firebender and his grand daughter. It made more sense now why she wanted to talk to him.

Honestly, he thought they were a couple when he first met them on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom. Then to his surprise the Avatar has proved himself more worthy to become the girl's boyfriend. Yet here Katara sits, telling him she is in love with another person, a very powerful bender and ruler to the Fire Nation.

Her emotions and feelings were confusing her from her main objective. Then again, they would play a big part in all of this, making her choice marrying the Fire Lord easier than expected.

Of course, Pakku knew she still wasn't sure and perhaps she felt as though she was betraying her people and a certain airbender.

He had to make things straight with her.

Walking up to her, Pakku held her where she sat softly. Katara gasped at the man's rare affection.

"There is nothing wrong with loving the Fire Lord, Katara." Pakku said calmly as Katara lifted her head looking up at her grandfather.

"If it's truly what you want, Katara…Then I approve." Pakku said as he faced shone a glimpse of support.

"You shouldn't feel guilt or shame. Follow your heart and love will find a way." Pakku said. "Don't lose what you could have had…." Pakku said in a serious tone.

Katara's eyes slightly widen at the old man's last statement. Knowing full well of his past, Katara bowed her head in respect.

Katara, "Thank you…Grandpa…" Katara said as she sheepishly with a light smile, still not used to calling her old master such a personal title as she hugged him back.

"Now, go I will leaving soon." Pakku said as he released his precious grand child.

"Leaving?" Katara asked as she wiped the corner of her eyes.

"Yes, I had to stay in order to offer my opinions to the Fire Lord's defense. But now things are moving smoothly. I will then go back to the Southern Water Tribe." Pakku said as he flicked back his long gray hair.

Katara smiled, "Then say hello for Gran-Gran and the others for me." The waterbender said.

Pakku smiled faintly as he led Katara out to the door. "I will…" Pakku said as he hugged Katara once more before closing the door.


After reading scroll and scroll of repeated documents of famine and rebellion in the earthen cities started to bore Zuko; until he came across something out of the ordinary. A file stating the date of his wedding, the young man's eyes widen, "What the hell?!" Zuko yelled out as he re-read the date.

The season of autumn on the crescent moon, the day of the Golden Dragon Dance…

Zuko grumbled to himself as he lightly crumbled the paper in his fists. 'Uncle was probably behind this…Always wanting a big celebration…' Zuko thought as he stomped out of his study to find the crazy old man.

'Why now? Why so suddenly? This isn't right!' Zuko thought as his mind stormed with many frustrations.

Pacing down the hall, he saw someone at the corner of his eye. It was Iroh.

"Uncle!" Zuko called out as he treaded heavily to the man. Iroh quickly hid something behind his back as he smiled to noticeably, infuriated young man.

"Why, nephew, how are you this morning?" Iroh said calmly as Zuko clenched his fists.

"Enough small talk, tell me! Are you the one who scheduled my wedding on the same day of the Dragon Dance?" Zuko barked out as sweat beaded his forehead due to his rising temper.

"Hmm…No, I don't believe I have. I actually was going to wait to hear from the councils in their decision on the date." Iroh said innocently.

Zuko's temperature decreased as he slightly clamed down, still suspiciously of his uncle's claim.

"Is there any way we can move the date then?" Zuko said as Iroh arched an eyebrow.

"Why so quick to move the date? Personally, I think having a wedding on the same day as the dance is a wonderful idea. You and Miss Katara are going to wed eventually, why not that day?" Iroh said with a wide smile.

Zuko tensed then sighed, "I promised Katara. I promised her to stall the wedding for as long as I can." Zuko said as his mood shifted to slight depression.

Iroh sensed the young man's discomfort as he then patted the man on the back, "Just explain to her about the dance and how fun it might be." Iroh said as Zuko nodded his head.

"Alright uncle…I'll do that. Thanks." Zuko said as he walked away unaware of the paper behind Iroh's back.

The old general smiled mischievously as he entered down the hallway to deliver the news.


The view of a flying beast was in sight through the thick clouds as four people were seen riding on the bison.

An airbender, a Water Tribesman, and two Fire Nation women sat in different spots of the leather saddle. Sokka sighed resting his elbow on his knee as he recalled how he got into this situation.

Aang was seen at the end of the village as Appa roared out nuzzling to the airbender's light touch on his wet nose. Suki and Sokka walked up to him along with Mai and Ty Lee.

"So, who's coming'?" Aang asked as he turned his attention to the small group.

"I think it's best that you bring Azula with me." Mai said as she stepped forth to the Avatar. Looking back, Mai signaled for the girl to come forth. Azula stepped ungracefully toward her dressed in new clothes. A blue yukata robe with a navy blue sash and her hair braided. Azula felt ugly in the Water Tribe like clothing from the Kyoshi village. Aang then looked at Ty Lee and the others. "Aren't you coming Ty Lee? Sokka? Suki?" Aang asked as Ty Lee smiled.

"Nope! I'm needed here…" Ty Lee said cheerfully as Suki bit her lower lip.

"Sokka's going to." Suki said out loud as Sokka turned to his sweetheart.

"What?! Why? I'm needed here to." Sokka said in protest, not wanting to leave his girlfriend's side and duty to the village.

"It's alright, Sokka…We have enough of the warriors to carry out the mission. You need to go with Aang and the others." Suki said as she cupped the young man's cheek softly.

Sokka's eyes set firm as they glistened with sadness, "I have to stay…" Sokka said as his heart ached.

Suki smiled warmly, "Go, Sokka…I'll meet you again soon. I promise." Suki said as Sokka's jaw clenched forcing a smile to curve his lips.

"Alright…I'll go." Sokka said as he hugged Suki.

It was probably the most awkward tension Sokka has ever felt between the small group around him. Mai sat next to Azula as Aang steered the flying bison underneath them. Mai kept her eyes closed from the flowing breeze in her face as Azula looked out at the ocean below them. Her long black braid flowed in the wind as her eyes appeared soft and calm. Sokka's attention focused on the fire princess. Her hands lightly placed on her lap as her knees folded under her. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow in the morning light as the scent of fresh air surrounded the travelers.

Watching her narrowed her eyes sadly; Sokka shifted his weight in a more comfortable position. The Fire Nation woman was no doubt beautiful, and once thought to be deadly. But now, she almost looked innocently sweet dressed in the blue attire. It complimented her exotic features.

Sokka then saw her hands twitch ever so slightly as she then gripped the fabric of her dress. Looking back up at her face Sokka noticed her head was turned further away as a glimpse of crystal was seen rolling down her cheek. She was crying?

'She must still be in great pain.' Sokka wondered as he turned his attention to the clouds ahead.

…Life is like the clouds…There's a dark side, and light and a silver lining in between, it's like a silver sandwich!...

Sokka blinked, it was odd Zuko's words came to him like that…Must have been the clouds in his view that sparked the young man's strange metaphor on life.

'So, then I'll have to take a bite of the silver sandwich? Argh, what does that mean?!' Sokka thought as he groaned. 'Why does such random stuff happen to me?' Sokka thought as he then noticed two golden eyes staring at him.

Turning his head, he saw Azula looking at him with a slight amusement in her eyes. Sokka frozen, was he just making a fool of himself? 'Gah, great…Now she's probably laughing at me…' Sokka thought as he tried to smile at the Fire Nation woman.

Azula then turned her head away; a faint tint of red stained her cheeks. Sokka blinked, 'What's up with her?' Sokka thought as he sighed resting his head on his knee.

"Aang…Are we there yet?" Sokka mumbled as Aang laughed.

"Not yet, Sokka…Just wait." The optimist airbender said as he pulled on the reins.

A small smile tugged on the princess's lips as the bison continued to fly across the sea.


Walking down the red hallway, Katara hummed a light song as she smiled.

The burden and weight that was hovering over Katara for the past two weeks have lifted, and she felt happier than ever at that moment.

As she walked down the end of the hall, Katara ran into Ming. "Hello, Ming. How are you?" Katara asked as Ming bowed to her.

"I am doing fine…Please; the Fire Lord has been waiting for you." Ming said as she bowed again.

'Has he now?' Katara thought with a smirk.

The waterbender then followed Ming as she was led down the corridor to the vestibule.

Once she entered into the hallway, Ming left, returning into the palace as Katara looked ahead.

Standing by the near the marble pillar of the open view of the garden, Zuko turned and smiled.

"Did your talk with your grandfather turn out well?" Zuko asked softly as Katara stepped forward.

"Yes…" Katara said softly as she inched closer to the young man.

"That's good." Zuko said as he took a step closer to the waterbender.

The two teens faced one another as Katara smiled, "How was your day?" Katara asked as Zuko blinked.

"It was…eventful…" Zuko said as he noticed Katara inching closer to him. Closing his eyes, Zuko invited the girl's closeness as she softly brushed her lips against his cheek. Zuko nuzzled his face slightly as he leaned in kissing her lips, returning the sweet affection.

They both pulled away smiling, then a loud cough was heard behind them. Quickly distancing themselves from each other they turned heads to see a smiling old general.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything…" Iroh said with a grin.


Oh Iroh, must he always ruin the goodness? I hoped you enjoyed the chapter and yes I was implying some Sokkla attraction in this chapter. I recently discovered them as a pretty cute couple. Of course my heart will always be Sukka. Please review and comment for quick updates!!!