Book 4 Air
Chapter 73 Treacherous Target
"I'm sorry to cut this meeting so short, General Iroh." A voice said as a servant was seen bowing to the floor with her head hung low.
"She must return to her quarters as soon as possible. I am afraid members of General Ryuan's command draw near." The woman said as her ponytail dangled to the side.
"I see…Thank you for informing me, Miki." Iroh said as he turned his head slightly.
"Take her to the back room." Iroh said as the servant girl slowly stood up, keeping her head down as she then quickly took Ursa's hand and led her to the far end of the wall where a large material like rug hung from the wall with tassels hanging on the side. The image on the fabric was a frightening painting of a big red dragon encircling a village with smoke fuming from his snout.
Pulling the rug to the side, the servant girl opened a secret passage way then entered into the dark unknown room with Zuko's mother.
"Wow…Secret rooms? I knew this place was bigger than it seemed." Toph said as closed her eyes smiling to herself. She always wondered why no one appeared entered the empty chambers she felt from the vibrations in the walls and floor. Now that she understood.
Toph realized that looks were definitely deceiving to the sightful eyes. Toph chuckled at the fact.
The earthbender felt a slight feeling of satisfaction knowing she could still 'see' with her earthbending abilities and not her new eyes alone. The girl opened her eyes once more to see the raw expression on the lord's face. She could sense his heart racing at a quicker then fainter beat as his body tensed with uncertainty. It intrigued the earthbender girl, how much more she can gather at the images from her eyes. How much more meaning was felt from the boy's heart-breaking features. It was like she could read others clearer than ever before. She understood now.
'He's afraid he'll never see his mother again.' Toph thought as she then turned her attention to Iroh who was seating himself back at the table.
"Shall we sit down and enjoy some tea?" Iroh as then the door suddenly opened with a tall man standing firmly at the doorway.
"General Iroh, I hope I am not interrupting…I was on my way to meet with General Jee, when I came across a lost little boy." Sho said as he hid his amused tone from his voice.
Aang pushed by him as he huffed out, "I am not a little boy." Aang complained in a low mumble as he remembered last time the general taunted him in front of his friends.
"Aang!" Katara exclaimed as she ran to the airbender hugging him.
"I am so glad to see you up and walking." Katara said as a sigh of relief left her lips.
She must have been worried of the boy. After all, she still is Katara, the protective, caring type.
Zuko thought to himself, trying to hide his growing jealousy as he saw the girl hug the injured pre-teen.
"Well yea, I'm doing pretty well." Aang said with a soft smile as he turned to Toph. The girl then chuckled lowly.
"Sure, you say that now…But don't think we'd be helping you out any time soon, cripple boy." Toph said in a sarcastic harsh tone as she turned around, folding her arms over her chest, as a tint of envy stirred in her heart. The earthbender blushed with annoyance as she took out her anger on the innocent airbender.
'Who does that Sugar queen think she is…? Hanging on him like that?' Toph thought as she frowned lightly.
"Toph! That wasn't a very nice thing to say, to Aang. He's hurt…Apologize to him!" Katara said as she turned to the earthbender, placing her hands on her hips.
"Oh…Of course…I'm sorry, mom." Toph said in a mocking tone as Katara narrowed her eyes.
"Ah! You're so infuriating!" Katara said as her temper rose as she turned away from the Earth Kingdom girl.
"Come on, guys…It's ok. I'm fine see?" Aang said as he let go of his glider which was giving him that extra support he needed to keep from falling. Grinding his teeth, Aang tried to balance on his good leg, hopping on one foot.
"Don't worry, Katara. Let me handle this…" Zuko said as he stepped forward. "Aang, sit down…Toph, apologize." Zuko said in a strict tone as Aang nodded his head and sat down while Toph blew a puff of air upward letting her bangs fan up then hang low over her eyes.
"You ain't the boss of me…" Toph said as she ignored the Fire Lord.
"How dare you speak to the Fire Lord that way, and with such disrespect?" Sho said with disgust.
"Sire, how can you possibly accompany these weak children?" Sho said as he snarled his lip upward with distaste.
As soon as Aang was seated on the chair, he then stood up along with Toph who turned around and faced the general.
"Who ya' calling, 'weak children'?!" Aang and Toph both yelled out offended as Aang narrowed his eyes and Toph stuck up her clenched fist in a threatening matter.
"General Sho, thank you for escorting Avatar Aang. If you can so kindly excuse us, please." Iroh said as he took control of tensed argument. General Sho narrowed his eyes as he then bowed to the group then left the room.
Katara placed her arms down as she looked back at the doorway where the general walked off. 'He doesn't set well with me…Talk about being disrespectful.' The waterbender thought as she heard Toph huffed out in annoyance.
The earthbender then turned away from the group and Aang slowly sat back down in the red cushioned chair.
"Well then…I think it will be best for all of you to return to your rooms for the day. I'll order room service for you all." Iroh said as he allowed the teens to leave the room.
As Toph marched off down the hallway, Aang steadily tried to follow her. "Wait! Toph!" Aang called out as Katara slowly stood next to the airbender.
"Do you want me to go get her?" Katara offered as Aang stopped limping and sighed to himself.
"No…I'll find her, and talk to her. Thanks though." Aang said as he smiled softly to the waterbender.
Katara smiled back warmly as she then watched Aang hop down the hallway then turned at the corner.
"So, will you be returning to your bedroom?" Zuko asked as Katara turned to the Fire Lord.
"I suppose…" Katara said unsure what the teen boy had in mind.
"Well then…Maybe it's for the best…I'll see you later on." Zuko said as he then leaned in and kissed the girl on the cheek, pulling away lightly, Zuko spoke in a low tone. "I'll be in my study for the evening…If you need to talk to me." the young man said before he paced down the hallway.
Katara blushed as she nodded her head, understanding the young man. Katara then walked the opposite direction to her bedroom chambers.
Entering down the hall, Sokka and Aeron soon walked through a narrow opening, mere inches away from another form walking the other way, appearing invisible from the thin walls of the corridor. Zuko lowered his head as he sighed lightly; he had to keep his thoughts on the upcoming dance-or really the wedding preparations. But he was too distracted with everything else to care at the moment.
As he entered into his study, softly closing the door, Sokka and Aeron turned the corner to the hall where a medium sized red oak door opened in front of them. Blocking them from the Fire Lord's office only two rooms away, stopping them in their tracks. Sokka blinked when he saw Iroh step out of the room.
"General Iroh." Sokka said as the old man turned his attention to the two teens.
"Ah, Sokka…Good to see you hear. I have sent an order to everyone in the palace. Please return to your room." Iroh said as he failed to see the young woman behind the young Water Tribe man.
"Well, we need to talk to Zuko. It's important…" Sokka said as he turned to the side, allowing the old man to see the woman.
"Oh I see…Well, whatever it is…I am sure you can tell me. I am Zuko's mentor, and uncle." Iroh said with a soft smile.
"Why don't we discuss this matter over some tea?" Iroh said as Aeron stomped her foot. "No, we will not discuss this over tea! We have very important information! Someone's life is at stake here!" Aeron yelled out loosing her temper.
"Hmm…" Iroh mumbled as his eyes glistened. "Tell me, who's life is in danger, young miss…" Iroh said already knowing her answer.
"It's- Aeron started to speak before Sokka spoke out.
"Zuko's mother." Sokka said answering Aeron's words as she was cut off.
Iroh rubbed his beard as his eyes narrowed, "I see…Well then, that is indeed some terrible news…But do not worry. Everything is under control, Ursa's life as of now has been spared …" Iroh said finishing his last words with slight concern as Aeron's eyes widen.
"She's safe…" Aeron whispered as she then grinded her teeth, "Y-You better not be lying, I swear…If I find out you're lying I'll-
"It's alright, Aeron! Iroh would never lie…" Sokka said as he pushed the girl back from possibly harming the general.
Aeron's eyes glistened a tint of worry and anger as she then shut her fierce golden orbs away the old man's steady gaze. "Fine! So then, now what…Why do we have to leave?" Aeron asked as she turned her head back, facing Sokka.
"It is simply a safety precaution, we recommend during times of uncertainty. Such as the case with Miss Mai. Turns out she was unfortunately a victim of coercion against Azula, now she somehow disappeared. We have to be sure no one else would be targeted next." Iroh said stating only one of the known facts he was given in a detailed report.
"I see…Well, I guess it would be fine for Aeron to go with me to my room for the time being?" Sokka asked as Iroh nodded his head.
"At least for now. I'll have a servant prepare a room, for Miss Aeron was it?" Iroh said as he gazed at the lovely young woman who peculiarly resembled the fire princess, Azula.
"Yes…" Aeron said in a low voice as she then followed Sokka down the hall as they left Iroh.
"Are you sure it's alright?" Aeron whispered as Sokka smiled. "Of course it is…Just relax for now. Ursa is in good hands here." Sokka said as he entered into the Western wing of the palace.
The image of a small infant bundled in her arms was seen. The baby boy cried out as the sight of his matted black hair ruffled over his soft head. "My boy..." the woman said gently as she rocked the infant in her arms.
The steady footsteps were heard as the woman lifted her head to see her husband. "My lord…We have an heir to the throne." The woman said in a warm tone as the man walked up to his wife and newborn son.
"Our precious, Zuko…" Ursa said as she smiled down at the baby who stopped crying as he looked up at his parents. Two big honey orbs blinked at the two figures looking down at him. Ozai reached out and placed his hand on the child's head. "Zuko…" Ozai repeated his son's name. "Why did you give him such a name?" Ozai asked as Ursa smiled.
"I want our people to know, that their king will have a kind heart." Ursa said with a hopeful tone.
Ozai gave a look of dislike as he shifted his head to the side. "We should have honored my father's title, instead giving our first born such a weak and powerless name." Ozai said displeased as Ursa giggled, "Then if we have another child, you will name it." Ursa said as she leaned in and kissed her husband.
Ozai then lightly nuzzled her cheek before tensing into a more formal status, and walked away.
'Ozai…You never once gave him a chance…Why did you pull away from our son…?" Ursa thought as she recalled her memories.
Ursa then sat on the end of her bed and sighed.
'Ozai…' Ursa thought to herself as she frowned lightly, placing her hand on her heart.
Toph walked up to her guest bedroom as Aang started to catch up. "Toph, hold up!" the airbender called out as Toph walked in her room.
"Hmp!" Toph mewed out as she slammed the door behind her. Aang stepped up to the door, "Why are you ignoring me?!" Aang called out as he then furrowed his brows angrily. "Why are you so stubborn?! Katara was right! You are infuriating!" Aang called out as he continued to yell her name.
Suddenly the door opened as the sight of a blushing, angry earthbender was seen as Aang yelped out falling forward. The boy was using the door to lean on, pushing all of his weight across the wooden surface. Now that it opened he lost his balance, falling in front of the girl. Caught in surprise, the girl gasped out as she fell backwards. Landing roughly on the thin carpet floor, Toph moaned out as Aang pushed himself up. "I'm sorry!" Aang said as he then heard the girl gasp. Looking down, Aang's eyes widen as he realized his hand was pressing down on Toph's right breast. "Ah! I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!" Aang cried out as he pulled away.
"Pervert!" Toph screamed out as she punched Aang's collarbone. The force caused Aang to fall back, hitting the back of his head on the leg of a dresser.
"Ow…" Aang moaned as he sat up. "It's ok, I didn't feel anything!" Aang said as he tried to defend himself. But the wrong words slipped out causing Toph to blush a deep red as her anger turned into a raging embarrassment. "AH!" Toph said offended as she covered her chest and kicked Aang in the knee before standing up and walking away from him. Toph then cupped her hands over her chest, frowning lightly, "A-are they really so small, you can't feel them…?" Toph mumbled to herself as she squeezed her chest.
"I mean… I do have something right?" Toph said to herself as she squeezed again.
'Okay…Maybe not as well developed as Katara, but still…' Toph thought as she remembered seeing the girl's small C-cupped mounds, perfectly perky and big compare to the earthbender's smaller chest.
Aang slowly stood up as he blinked, "What are you talking about?" Aang asked as Toph then placed her hands down as she turned quickly, facing him. Her hair wildly swayed behind her as she cried out, "Tell me and be honest! I'm not flat right?" Toph said in a worried, frantic tone.
"Don't lie! I can tell if you're lying!" Toph said as tears formed at the corner of her eyes.
Aang blinked again as he mumbled, "What do you mean-
"I-I know I'm not as big as her, but…I still have them, right?!" Toph asked as she placed her hands over her chest then lightly on her heart.
The boy then understood what the young girl meant. Aang blushed as he turned his head to the side.
What should he say?
Looking back at the girl, Aang blushed deeper. He never really thought about those sort-of things. But now that he actually stopped and thought about it. Aang actually liked the girl's small chest. He liked how her nipples would perk up hidden underneath her clothes whenever she got over-joyed or how they curved like two bumps from her tiny frame.
"I-I…" Aang started to say as Toph shut her eyes. "You're hesitating! Tell me! Tell me now!" Toph cried out as Aang then stammered out, "Y-You do have them...I-I like 'em…Th-They're nice." Aang said as he lowered his head, rubbing the back of his head.
Toph opened her eyes as her cheeks tinted a bright tomato red. 'He likes them…?' Toph thought to herself as she looked up at the airbender.
Aang kept his head low as he modestly gulped. Hearing the firm footsteps step toward him. Aang closed his eyes, expecting to be sorely punched by the earthbender. Aang then gasped as he felt a soft peck press against his left cheek. Opening his eyes, he turned to see Toph pull away from his face, "T-Thank you…For not lying, to me…" Toph said as she lifted her small hand up to her mouth, in a shy, feminine matter.
"Uh-huh…" Aang managed to say as he tried to wrap around the fact that Toph Bei Fong, his previous earthbending teacher, actually kissed him!
Then again, they did both confess their feelings to each other. Did that mean they can be together? Does that mean she really likes him?
Aang then smiled, 'Yea…It is okay…' the airbender thought as he then watched Toph step away covering her face.
Aang chuckled. This was a new side of Toph he hasn't seen. She was opening up more, becoming more vulnerable than he's ever seen her. Did he make her feel that way? Or was she simply acting like a normal girl would?
Either way, it amused the airbender. Her behavior was very cute. Aang chuckled again as Toph turned around and punched him in the gut, "Stop laughing at me!" Toph exclaimed as she then crossed her hands over her chest and stuck up her nose in the air. Aang gripped on his stomach and smiled.
'Toph…' Aang thought as he smiled wider.
Aww…Some cute Taang goodness! Zutara goodness coming up next chapter! Also what happens next for our characters, Sokka and Aeron? Please stay tune and review!!!! REVIEW or no quick updates! _
A/N: I found out what Zuko's name means which is related to this part in my chapter:
Zuko, a Nguni name which means harmony, someone with a good heart, loving, appreciative and calm
I figured Ursa named their son, since she is very kind herself. Ozai probably was the one who got to named their next child, Azula.
