Book 4 Air
Chapter 71 Taken
A servant girl pulled up the robes over narrow feminine shoulders as she dressed the dark haired woman. "Would you like me to style your hair, my lady." the servant girl asked as she bowed her head.
"Yes, thank you, Miki." The woman said softly as she looked at the mirror in front of her.
The servant girl nodded her head she then took two strands of the woman's hair then gently shaped them into a simple bun, then let the rest of the woman's hair down. Ursa smiled as she looked at her new outfit. The velvety burgundy silk soothed her skin as the colors made her soft features appear to glow.
"General Iroh will meet you soon, my lady." Miki said as she bowed her head then left the room.
Ursa's smile then slowly faded as she then closed her eyes.
The councils have given her one last request, and granted her wish, to see her son again.
A low knock came from the door as an old man walked in, "It is time…" Iroh said as Ursa turned her head.
"Yes…" Ursa said softly as she stood up.
Colorful designs of white jasmine flowers scattered with red spider lilies etched in the dark red silks of Katara's dress was seen as she walked down the hallway. News of Aang and Toph's arrive was sent and Katara quickly paced to the infirmary.
Entering into a long narrow corridor hallway, the waterbender looked up at a small sign with the symbols meaning, intensive care unit. She then walked in, holding her breath.
The room was painted a soft gold hue with a stripe of red across the walls in the unit, with four windows along the wall. A small bed was facing forward with a boy hidden in the thick blankets of white cotton. Katara slowly stepped to the airbender's side. Her expression held worry and concern as she saw the Avatar's current state. Dark circles under his eyes with sores over his cheeks and throughout his arms and body.
"Aang…" Katara said softly as she then heard footsteps enter into the room. "Wow, so this is what you look like." A smug feminine voice said as Katara turned to see the earthbender.
"What did you just say?" Katara said confused as Toph chuckled, "I can see, Katara." Toph said with a smile as she lifted her bangs out of her face revealing her two sightful eyes of dark jade.
"H-how is that even possible!" Katara exclaimed as she looked at her friend noticing the distinct sign of her pupils fully functioning, as the light entered the dark orbs and contacted.
"Beats me…All I know is…I can see now…" Toph said with a small smirk as she folded her arms over her chest.
Katara smiled warmly, it was a miracle for Toph to finally see, Katara was happy for the girl.
Lowering her head lightly, Katara then turned to Aang's sleeping form, "We should leave and let him rest…" Katara said in a motherly tone as she started to walk out the door.
As the two girls left the room then walked down the hall, a male servant hastily paced up to them. "Forgive me, but orders were sent that you, ladies to return to your rooms." The man said as Toph crossed her arms in an upset fashion, "Why should we?" Toph said growing tried of all these orders and regulations of the Fire Nation Palace.
"General Iroh has ordered it, if you have an complaint, inform General Jee." The man said as he bowed then passed by the two girls.
"Toph, we should listen to Iroh's order. It must be important." Katara said trying to be reasonable about the solution.
"I come here after being dragged to the Spirit World then back and they expect me to just wait around when something serious could happen?!" Toph said as she grew more impatient as her eyes expression slight annoyance.
Katara sighed then thought about Toph's words, she felt bad that she didn't think of what the girl had gone through. It would be only natural for the stubborn girl to want some payback.
"Listen, how about we go to my room for a while, and then later I'll find Zuko and ask him what happened…Okay?" Katara said as she tried to change the earthbender's mind.
"I guess so…" Toph said as she gave in.
Katara smiled faintly as she placed her hand on the girl's back and walked with her down the hallway to her bedroom quarters.
A dark taupe segment body curled in the moist earth, the spirit growled as he narrowed his emotionless eyes of the Noh mask. His lips snarled angrily as he lifted his upper body. Stabs of blood gushing out of his wounds which were slowly healing, the sight of the spirit's eyes were seen as he closed them.
'Curse him…' the creature thought as his mind filled with a deeper loathe towards the Avatar boy.
"I will have my revenge…" Koh said in a low malicious voice as he buried underneath the soil.
Sitting in her cell, Mai slowly closed her eyes. Hours felt like days, as she tried to remain calm and relaxed. Perhaps she'll escape this prison cell if she behaved.
As her dull eyes completely closed, she then felt the strong dense aura surround her small room. Her body felt like trembling, but she held still as she opened her eyes. In front of her was the Great Spirit, the face-stealer Koh. "What do you want?" Mai asked in a boring tone.
"Join me…and together we can have our revenge." The spirit said in a low voice.
Mai narrowed her eyes, "You think I want revenge?" Mai asked slightly amused.
"I can tell…You wish to be free…To no longer follow another, but to follow your own path." Koh said with a twisted smile.
"Hmm…and if I refuse?" Mai said as Koh chuckled.
"I will kill the Fire Lord." Koh said as Mai closed her eyes.
He will kill Zuko? Her precious prince…? No.
"Fine…I'll join you, but for his sake, only." Mai said as she slowly stood up.
"Very well then…Let us go." The spirit said as he wrapped his body around the thin girl. Encircling his segments, hugging her form, Mai clenched her teeth.
Then as soon as he arrived, his form vanished along with the human girl. Guards gasped as they saw the girl suddenly disappeared out of thin air. One guard rapidly yelled out for General Sho to come immediately.
'For the first time, the woman was afraid of the Golden Dragon. Yet she did not show it, she did not let the beast see through her breaking heart.
"Why would you not at the tower? I had a meal for you, my princess…" the dragon said as he walked up to the hime.
"Forgive me, for my tardiness Lord Jidu..." the hime said as she bowed her head. The Golden Dragon smirked at the woman. Her long black hair draped over her shoulders and neck; making her look very appealing.
"You will meet me at the courtyard under the full moon. Do not keep me waiting…" the dragon said as he leaned in and nuzzled the girl's cheek with his snout.
The woman was devastated, as her father. God of longevity demanded she marry the Golden Dragon. He paid in large amounts of gold for the girl's hand. The God couldn't refuse the dragon's request. Then the hime's secret was discovered…Her father was furious with her. His wrath was unmerciful as he ordered that his daughter never see the God of Fire ever again.
If she did…He would be killed.
Evening settled into the sky as the sight of a woman walking along the titled floor courtyard was seen. Lifting her head up, she saw the Golden Dragon fly across the moon then landing on the ground beside her.
The Golden Dragon smiled as he pulled in the woman towards him with his long tail. "You are mine…" the dragon mumbled as his eyes shined a sinister glare.
"No, she is not." A low voice said as the hime's eyes widen.
"Agni!" the woman cried out as she saw the God standing underneath the pillars of the courtyard.
"Hnn…Son of the God of war, what brings you here?" the Golden Dragon asked with a sneer.
"You cannot have her..." Agni said as he clenched his hands.
"So, you will fight for her, then?" the Golden Dragon said with amusement as he placed the woman aside and spread out his wings.
"Yes…I challenge you, Jidu!" Agni yelled out as he pointed his finger to the beast. The dragon smiled wickedly as the woman gasped out.
"Heh…Very well..." the dragon said as he exhaled a puff of fire from his mouth.
"Let us begin…" the dragon said in a dark tone as he lifted off the ground and charged at the Fire God.'
Katara said softly as she finished reading the page of the story of Agni, to Toph.
"Wow…Sounds like an intense story…What happens next?!" Toph asked becoming more interested in the Fire Nation Tale.
"It stops there…" Katara said with disappointment.
"Aw…That sucks…" Toph said with a small pout as she turned her attention to the symbols on the paper.
"I guess now that I see…I'll have to learn how to read…" Toph said with displeasure as Katara laughed.
"I can teach you if you'd like." Katara offered as Toph sighed and started to pick at her ear.
"Nah…I'll probably get a tutor or somethin'" Toph said as wiggled her toes.
Katara smiled, even though Toph could see, it didn't change the fact, and that Toph was still Toph. Katara wondered that now, Toph could see, could it affect her bending.
"So, what's it like being able to see now?" Katara asked as Toph slowly opened her eyes.
"It's still gonna take some time getting used to, but it's pretty cool. I wonder what Sparky looks like along with everyone else." Toph said as she closed her eyes again wondering to herself.
Katara smiled, and then suddenly a soft knock tapped on the door. "Come in." Katara said as the servant girl, Ming entered.
"General Iroh wishes to speak with you, Miss Toph and Katara." Ming said as she bowed.
"Heh, well it's about time." Toph said as she jumped off the end of the chair then walked to the front door.
Katara giggled as she followed, "Thank you for informing us, Ming." Katara said sweetly as Ming bowed her head lower.
"Of course." Ming said as the two girls left the room.
"I see…" Zuko said in a low tone as General Jee stood firm at his post.
"Should we warn the others?" Jee suggested as Zuko shook his head. "No, I think it may cause panic to the people. Please remain quiet before I order otherwise." Zuko said as Jee nodded his head.
"I'm going to find my uncle. Please report to General Sho my orders." Zuko said as General Jee bowed in understanding.
The Fire Lord slowly paced down the hall as his mind remained focus on the report he heard moments ago.
Mai somehow disappeared; it was no doubt, involving a spirit or some other supernatural occurrence towards the incident. Zuko had to keep his guard up in case anyone else was responsible.
Walking down the narrow hall to the study. Zuko then saw two feminine figures walk pass the four way entrance.
"Katara…Toph." Zuko said as the two girls turned to his direction.
"Zuko…Are you going to meet with Iroh too?" Katara asked as Zuko nodded his head.
"Well, I must say…This appearance really suits you, Sparky." Toph said as she smirked.
Zuko blinked as he then blushed. "What was that?" Zuko asked as Katara laughed.
"Zuko…She can see!" Katara exclaimed, telling him the good news.
"Yup! I can you from head to toe. You're pretty hot." Toph said adding in an obvious pun.
"Tsk…" Zuko mumbled as he blushed a deeper shade. Then as soon as it came and left, the Fire Lord became serious as he stepped towards them, facing forward. "Shall we go meet my uncle then?" Zuko said as they both walked down the hall.
I know there isn't much action…But I promise the next few chapters will be packed full of action. I also know I promise some Zutara-ness. That will come next chapter along with Taang! I'll be updating again soon, please review for a quicker update!!!!!
