Book 4 Air
Chapter 74 Fragile Emotions
Looking over his documents, Zuko came across the report and request of his father's burial. Cremation was the traditional funeral preparation for the dead, especially of a royal family. Of course as effective that would be, there were other options for the previous Fire Lord's final resting place.
Usually it would be closest person to Ozai to determine the outcome for such a personal decision to be made. Zuko thought Iroh would have called out the order. Yet here lies the papers on his desk. This frustrated Zuko. Did Iroh honestly think that Zuko would show his last respects as honorable as a cremation, to his father?
'Ozai deserves to rot in the earth for eternality.' Zuko thought as he narrowed his eyes.
Lifting his hand up lightly, Zuko touched the rough yet velvety surface of his scarred cheek.
'I can't tell her…But, I need to let it out…Why? Why is it so difficult for me say it?!' Zuko thought as he struggled with the idea of telling his mother. Zuko then closed his eyes, burying his distraught emotions deeper in his heart.
Just then a firm knock tapped at the door, Zuko covered his eyes as he rested his hand over his brow. "Come in…" Zuko said in a low tone.
The door slowly opened a man dressed in fine red robes. It was General Jee.
"My lord, I was sent in regards for your approval of the eastern fleet to be shipped out." General Jee said as he then saw the Fire Lord, looking rather depressed at his table. Concerned, Jee spoke in a light tone.
"Is everything alright, Milord?" Jee asked as he stepped forward to the front of the desk.
Zuko slowly pulled his hand away as he thinned his lips. "I'll be alright…Now, with the fleet. Yes, you have my permission." Zuko said as he replaced his discomforted voice with a more serious tone as he sighed to himself.
"I will inform the commander." Jee said with a low bow. Zuko then nodded his head as he then turned away, appearing to be lost in thought. General Jee lifted his head and looked at the young man. "Fire Lord Zuko…With all respect, understand that as your general. I am also a friend. Please, what bothers you, milord?" Jee asked growing more concerned for his leader.
"There's something dark in my family's past and its something I don't think I can tell that one person who recently came back into my life." Zuko said as he lowered his head.
Jee narrowed his eyes, he somewhat understood the young lord's dilemma. Fire Lord Ozai and the previous lords have had a reputation of being ruthless and cruel. Scandals and secrets could possibly be very true in the royal family. Of course, Jee knew his place, and would respect his lord's emotions on this matter.
It was maddening.
Jee had a feeling that this pressure would sooner or later get to the young lord. Honestly, when the general heard that the sixteen and a half year old prince was crowned Fire Lord only three months ago, he thought it was a sick joke.
Jee felt that the teen wasn't ready to carry on the responsibilities as a leader to the nation. Even though the young man was indeed intelligent and knew the laws of their government. Zuko was still inexperienced in many other areas and could possibly make a wrong choice in the court. Yet, Iroh…A high ranking general in command, the man who gained the title of Dragon of the West, a grandmaster in a secret society created hundreds of years ago decided, that the young prince should take the throne…
Jee then narrowed his eyes as he thought carefully of his lord's position. Of course there were personal matters in his life he was dealing with. Yet his country is in need. What could he do to help his lord? Then it hit him…What-What if he was given another title? At least a temporary one until his life is in order while another power deals with the work? The same plan that Sozin made while the war started and left his country in search of the Avatar!
Yes, it did seem perfect although slightly shallow, to have their leader become somewhat of a figurehead, but Jee was only thinking for Zuko's best interest…
"Please think over your troubles, milord. I will return. I need to speak with the councils." General Jee said as he bowed then started to leave.
"General Jee." Zuko called out as the man turned, "Thank you." Zuko said gratefully as Jee smiled faintly. "Of course, Fire Lord Zuko." Jee said as he then left the room.
As Sokka opened his bedroom door, and led Aeron inside. The girl looked around at the simple full sized mattress and dresser near the wall. A large window lit up the room with a golden hue as the sight of the sun setting behind the towers of the temple. Aeron opened her mouth yawning lightly as she then walked over to the bed. "I'm a little tired…" Aeron said as she sat on the edge of the mattress and smiled faintly.
"Are you hungry? I can see if the room service can come by soon." Sokka said as he stepped to the doorway.
"Yea, I'm a little bit hungry…But what about you going out into the halls? I wouldn't want to get you in trouble." Aeron said in a sweet voice as Sokka chuckled, "Don't worry. I won't be long." Sokka said as he opened the door and stepped out.
"I'll be back." Sokka said as Aeron took all her will power to smile innocently, "Take your time…" Aeron said as she tilted her head to the side. Sokka smiled as he then left, closing the door behind him.
Aeron then closed her eyes as she stood up slowly. 'Somehow my fake childlike trick never fails…Now to find that murderous Fire Lord." The girl thought bitterly as she left the room.
As Zuko stacked his papers another knock tapped at his door, "Yes?" Zuko said feeling more content as he looked at the door.
The door slowly opened as a young woman walked in, it was Katara. The waterbender smiled warmly, "I came to get you…" Katara said softly as she walked over to the table. "I think a certain lord needs to join me for some dinner." Katara said as she gave another sweet smile. Zuko smirked lightly as he stood up, "Very well…" Zuko said happy to see the girl.
As Katara and Zuko left the office and made their way down the hall. They soon drew close to the dining quarters; Zuko suddenly stopped then turned his head. "Hmm…" Zuko mumbled softly as Katara next to him, gave him a confused look. "What is it, Zuko?" Katara asked as Zuko narrowed his eyes.
"We're being watched…" Zuko said flatly as he then turned back to the waterbender. "Quickly go to my chambers. I'll be back shortly." Zuko said as he then turned and walked down the hall, leaving the worried and confused girl behind.
Zuko steadily made his way down the narrowed pathway as he sensed someone behind the corner. "You there! Show yourself…" Zuko said in a low, demanding voice as the figure revealed herself.
"I would have never guessed…That the Fire Lord would be so in-tuned to his surroundings, quite impressive I must say…" the girl said in a mocking tone as she smirked coldly as the young man.
"Who are you?" Zuko asked keeping his guard up as he gazed at the girl skeptically.
"I am Aeron of the Dragonfly Clan. You killed my family and people. I will now avenge their deaths…" Aeron said in a low voice as she lowered her head as she reached behind her, gripping her weapon.
Zuko narrowed his eyes, "What are you talking about? I have done no such thing!" Zuko said defending himself as he unsteadily gazed at the girl's hands.
"Do not deny it…You sent troops into my village on Hing Wa Island, and wiped us out!" Aeron cried out as Zuko widen his eyes. 'Sho mention something about exterminating unwanted pests on the island while harvesting the ash bananas. Could it be he did something far worse?' Zuko thought as he then saw the girl move swiftly towards him.
Pulling back, Zuko ducked his head from the swinging blade passing by his head.
"Sire!" a voice called out as Aeron stopped quickly. Her eyes widen as she turned her head, dodging the fireball flying towards her feet.
"You little wrench!" Sho said as he stepped forward. Zuko then narrowed his eyes as he spoke out in a deep voice, "General Sho…Do you recognize this girl…?" Zuko said as Aeron looked at the Fire Lord. Her eyes filled with confusion.
Sho tensed as he stepped back, "No, Sire…I never seen her before." Sho said as a bead of sweat dripped down the side of his face.
Aeron turned to the man, her eyes glared at him coldly. 'He was the leader...' Aeron thought as she turned and faced the man. Gripping on the hilt of her dagger, Aeron lowered her head. "I saw you…You were riding a komodo rhino into the village. Burning the rooftops of our houses…" Aeron said as she trembled with hate.
Zuko took a step forward as he spoke in a menacing tone, "You said, the reports were clarified. That there were no ash bananas and you destroyed the pests on the island." Zuko said as he then spoke again with disgust, "Tell me…Were those pests, the innocent villagers of the island?" Zuko asked already sure of the answer.
Aeron inhaled a sharp breath as her eyes widen. 'This man…He did it…He-he killed my people.' Aeron thought as she lifted her head slowly.
Sho's eyes widen in fear as he saw the girl's precarious glare. "You…scum." Aeron said with venom dipped on the tip of her tongue as she the shut her eyes. "I-I'll kill you!!!" Aeron screeched as she charged at the man.
Just then Zuko quickly grabbed the girl's arms pulling her back. "No…No!" Aeron cried out as tears fell down her cheeks.
Letting the girl down, Zuko lifted his head up. "Sho…As of right now, you no longer carry your title as general. Guards, arrest this man!" Zuko called out as the nearby men who over heard the scene, rushed to Sho's side. "No, you can't do this! How can you believe this woman! She is obviously a spy sent to kill you!" Sho said in his defense as the guards pulled back his hands and latched metal cuffs on his wrists.
"We'll see in a fair trial…Sho." Zuko said as he then lowered his head, looking down at the crying girl on her hands and knees.
"I recognize you from the festival, I take it you entered in order to kill me." Zuko said as Aeron shamefully nodded her head.
"Hmm…Very well then. I'll send for a servant to take you to the room for further notice. Until then, please do not run away." Zuko said in a soft yet firming tone. As he helped the girl up, Aeron looked into the young man's eyes.
'Lukewarm, like honey…' Aeron thought as her eyes glistened. 'This man…He seems to have a heart of gold.' Aeron thought to herself quietly as her heart filled with shame.
"Miki, please take this young woman to the guest chambers." Zuko said as his personal servant walked in. "Yes, Sire." The servant girl said as she led the girl down the hall.
"So…You were framed." A voice said as Zuko turned his head to see the Water Tribe warrior.
"Heh…Seems that way. Honestly it's no surprise to me. Such events are bound to happen." Zuko said as he smirked lightly then walked to Sokka.
"I'll go talk to her…I actually know her somewhat, maybe with someone she's familiar with, she'll be able to talk easier." Sokka said as his cheeks warmed up.
"Good then, try and find out any more about what she knows on General Sho. It would be helpful as evidence for the trial." Zuko said as he placed his hand on Sokka's right shoulder before leaving.
"Yea…" Sokka said lightly as he then walked the opposite way down the hall.
Sitting on a cushioned chair, Katara looked around Zuko's room. The elegant painted walls were beautifully designed with red dragons with golden rings around their necks. It was an amazing image as it covered half of the room nicely. The waterbender then sighted as she patiently waited for the Fire Lord.
Just then the sound of a door was heard opening as footsteps echoed from down the hall. Katara quickly fixed her hair then flatten out her dress as she then looked up as the young man dressed in royal clothing. Zuko smiled softly at the waterbender as he made his way to her. Bowing his head, he leaned in and kissed her sweetly on the forehead. Katara giggled.
"I ordered some dinner for us." Zuko said as Katara smiled.
Zuko then took the girl's hand as Katara stood up. "I was thinking...Since the dance is coming up soon. Would you to practice with me?" Zuko asked as Katara blushed.
"But there is no music to dance to." Katara said as Zuko smiled. "You can make your own music…" Zuko said as he pulled Katara in and held out her hand then placed his other hand on her waist.
Katara then giggled again as Zuko started to sing a small beat. "Hmm...Mmm...Hmm…" Zuko hummed as the two started to step and step in a circle.
Katara laughed, "You're a terrible singer." The waterbender said as Zuko smiled. "Yea, I know…" Zuko said as they continued their slow dance.
Katara then smiled as she then rested her head on his shoulder, "I like the song though…" Katara said as Zuko held her closer.
Closing her eyes, Katara hummed the tune with Zuko as they slowly danced in the room.
They softly stopped the small song as they pulled away lightly, staring into each other's eyes.
"Katara…" Zuko said as he leaned in.
"Zuko…" Katara whispered as she closed her eyes and Zuko kissed her lips.
Yay, Zutara fluff! More fluff next chapter with some seriousness! You'll hear more on Mai on the upcoming chapter! Please review!!!
