Book 4 Air

Chapter 83 Steps

Part 1

Entering into the hallway, Katara and Zuko ran into Iroh. The old man was seen grinning ear to ear. Zuko became suspicious knowing that his uncle's features proved to be misleading and carried unwanted intentions.

"Uncle…" Zuko said with a pause. "What would you like to tell us?" Zuko said already aware that the old general was looking for them.

"My dear nephew…The dance is but three and half days away. Surely you must know the rehearsal?" Iroh said as Zuko's eyes widen. "No! I will not be performing!" Zuko said certainly, now understanding his uncle's lopsided smile.

Katara slightly leaned forward, interested to hear more about this 'rehearsal'.

"But Zuko it is custom for the Fire Lord to present the dance. Why, your father performed it in his youth with your mother. It was quite a fascinating display…" Iroh said as he rubbed his beard.

"What sort of dance is it?" Katara asked as Zuko turned surprised the girl would be interested.

"Full of zest and love-The royal dance displaying the passion between the hime and Fire God." Iroh said knowing the mention of Agni and the hime would interest the waterbender further.

"Oh wow…" Katara said with a smile as her eyes sparkled enthusiasm.

"Yes…Zuko is to perform the dance with the leading lady. You, Miss Katara." Iroh said as Zuko tried to cut him off.

"We are not going to perform! Besides, the dance almost in three days. It takes months to complete that dance!" Zuko said remembering his mother and father practicing for many weeks during his younger years as a child.

"Let's do it Zuko!" Katara said as Zuko turned his head.

"What?"

"Oh, come on! I love dancing and to create a part of the story in front of crowds of people. Like a play, oh it would be so wonderful!" Katara said enchanted by the love story and history.

Zuko slumped his shoulders, he couldn't say no to the girl.

"Alright…" Zuko said giving in as the waterbender jumped with joy. "But understand, we have to get every step right. Not only that, but be in character…" Zuko said in a serious tone as Katara nodded her head.

"Of course…" Katara said as she smiled brightly.

"Well then…Shall I take you two, to the studio?" Iroh said as he led the two teens down the hall.


The view of black hair swaying in the breeze was seen as two golden eyes stared up at the back wall of the palace. Steadily the figure entered into the hidden vault leading into the chambers of the palace. Two hands were seen opening the latch door to the secret rooms inside the servant quarters. The girl entered into an empty room with light furniture and a round mirror loosing hanging from the wall.

The girl looked at her reflection, Azula glared coldly before continuing on to the doorway. Slowly she opened the door, peering out. The halls were clear with no sign of anyone near, the fire princess then closed the door. She then looked around the room; no windows were seen in the small room. Only candle light brighten the neat bedroom, with a small dresser next to a small futon was seen on the floor. Azula opened the dresser; she smirked slightly as she pulled out a cloth.

'This will do…' the girl thought as she roughly removed her outfit.


As Iroh led Katara and Zuko into the room, Katara marveled at the long narrow room with mirrors covering one whole portion of the left wall. Two men were seen seat on the far end of the right corner with two instruments in their hands. One man has what looked like a bowed string instrument with four strings. The man next to him had another string instrument with six strings that sat in his lap. Iroh signal the men to play a tune.

The man with the small instrument took his bow and slides the tool over the strings. A short whine echoed in the room as he plays a tune. Then the other man plucked the strings of his instrument. The vibrating sounds tuned in part of the other instrument. The music was curt and quick.

Iroh then turned to the two teens. "Zuko step here please." Iroh instructed as Zuko sighed. He stepped up beside Iroh as the old man then called for the girl. "Katara, stand in front of Zuko."

Katara did as commanded as she blushed. Iroh then spoke out, "In open position with your partner, touch your palms together…Zuko, you are the leader. You will then walk forward slowly and Katara, you are the follower. You will now step backward." Iroh said as the two followed the man's instructions. Katara blushed at the closest between her and the Fire Lord.

Recalling her dance with Aang during the cave dance party, their performance wasn't as intimate. It was more open and expressed more wildly. This dance…was going to be exciting yet nerve-raking for her.

"Practice exchanging the lead, Fire Lord Zuko." Iroh said as Zuko led Katara in a slow circle as they practiced their simple steps.

"Shorten your steps slightly while walking forward, Fire Lord Zuko. Step directly inline with Miss Katara's feet." Iroh said with a pause, "Do the same as in the first step but this time do it with no hands." Iroh said sternly. "Now walk in-line and then drift to an outside position." Iroh said as the two slowly distance themselves before falling back.

"Zuko, start with your left foot and take two in-line steps…" Iroh said as Zuko stepped in.

"No, Zuko do it like so…" Iroh said as he placed Zuko's leg on the left. "So that your left foot is inline with Miss Katara's right foot and your right foot is inline with her left foot." Iroh said as Zuko then corrected his steps.

"Katara, you now must reach back from the hip and take big steps." Iroh said as Katara strained herself while performing the step. "Zuko, think of shortening your steps as you walk forward. It will be easier on Miss Katara." Iroh said as the two flowed with one another.

"Good…Good. I think you both are ready for the next step." Iroh said with praise as he then continued.


"Come on Suki…Open the door." Sokka begged as he leaned against the door frame.

After the fifth time of asking, Sokka finally heard no reply. Running his fingers through his hair messing up his warrior's wolf tail knot, Sokka sighed. "Suki! She was only teasing…I told you before, I would never cheat on you…" Sokka said in a desperate plea, as no answer was heard.

Lightly growling Sokka banged the door before pushing himself off the frame. "Fine! Don't talk to me! Guess you don't care how much I love you!" Sokka yelled as he started to leave. Just then the door slowly opened. Sokka quickly turned to see Suki in her night robe. Loosing hanging on her slender body as Sokka slowly gazed up at the tear stained girl. Her hair was messy and lipstick smeared on the corner of her mouth. Sokka inhaled deeply as Suki panted out, "Prove it…" Suki said as she dared the young man.

"Damn it all woman…" Sokka mumbled as he then thrust towards the girl, roughly kissing her as she swung her hands around his neck pulling him closer. The two moaned as Sokka pushed her into the bedroom then shut the door.


Ah, nothing like taking hard dance lessons and hot make-up sex…to started your morning uh? Yes, Sokka and Suki are like that…There was clear evidence on the Southern Raiders episode. I mean come on? What were they going to do? Snuggle? I don't think so…Anyways, more coming up on Zuko and Katara's dance. Can you guess what sort of dance they will be performing?

Also yay, Azula is back? But wait; is she still as psycho like before? Wait and see! Please review for a quick update!!!!

Also yes…I know it is short…There is a reason for that. Not enough reviews…Gotta keep up now. :)

Nah…I'm kidding.

I love my readers too much to torture you guys like that…I'm simply making another part one and two to save up for the big chapters. So don't forget to comment!!!