Book 4 Air
Chapter 86 So Polite
As Katara was led down the hallway, she looked up at the servant girl in front of her. Thinking to herself, Katara started to notice how all of the servants seemed to walk in a very discreet matter and how they would lead down the hall on the right, if moving to the Eastern wing then left, going the opposite way.
Ever since the waterbender arrived at the palace, she knew they had strict order and discipline with rules followed by both the councils and ruler of the kingdom. Yet it wasn't until now, that those past anxious feelings stirred up inside Katara.
Could she live up to being Fire Lady of this nation? What if Ursa doesn't really like her?
The thought of such feelings flooded into Katara's mind as she stepped closer to Ursa's room.
Miki bowed to the girl as she opened the door for her. "Miss Katara, your Highness." Miki said as Katara slowly entered the royal room. Ursa was seen wearing a light robe of dark burgundy which complimented her pale skin and black hair. Sitting in a small separate room from her bedroom, Ursa lifted her hand up gesturing for the girl to come in, "Please make yourself comfortable." Ursa said as Katara quietly sat in a nearby chair facing a fireplace mantle.
"You wished to talk to me about something…?" Katara asked softly as Ursa nodded her head.
Lifting her long fingers up as Ursa dipped her hand down to the floor; she bent over and picked up a bamboo casket next to her chair. Placing the casket on her lap, Ursa then lowered her head before speaking softly, "I have learned much about you from Iroh, and I wanted to apologize." Ursa said as she lifted her head as her features shone a glint of sadness.
"Apologize?" Katara questioned as she wondered what would make this woman feel guilty.
"When I reunited with my son…It must have been difficult for you." Ursa said as Katara thinned her lips.
"Oh, no…It's alright. I was happy for you and Zuko, its not-
Ursa spoke in, cutting off the girl's words, "As a mother, I understand the pain of what a child must feel for losing a loved one. I want you to know, my dear. If you need anyone to talk to, I am here." Ursa said warmly as Katara turned her head trying not to cry.
Here she was worrying that Ursa didn't like her, and instead the woman was offering a kind gesture to the waterbender. Katara felt stupid and embarrassed, inside she trembled.
To think that this woman has accepted her and wants to be there for her, like a loving mother would, filled Katara with both sadness and happiness.
"Th-thank you…" Katara said lightly as she smiled faintly.
Ursa smiled endearingly, "She's so polite." The woman thought with approval.
"I wanted to give this to you for all the effort you've done so far in both becoming a member the royal family and the hard work you have done for the upcoming dance." Ursa said as she handed Katara the casket.
The girl placed the casket on her lap before opening the top. Katara gasped as she looked at her gift. It was a new dress. The color was a bright crimson red neatly folded in the casket.
"Try it on, my dear. You are free to use the bathroom to change." Ursa said as she stood up.
"Al-alright." Katara as she picked up the dress and then slowly made her way to the bathroom.
Sho entered into his room as he panted leaning against the wall. Sweat dripped down the side of his face as he clenched his chest. Pulling out the scroll from his inner robe, Sho unrolled the paper and read the symbols.
"Let's see…Where? Where is the information?" Sho said to himself out loud as he scanned through the words.
"Where?!" Sho yelled as he gripped the sides of the paper.
As he looked through, Sho then read a message stating Lord Sozin's thoughts.
"They told me many things throughout my years as a prince. I can still hear their voices ringing, echoing their wisdom into my dreams…I am no longer bothered by their presence. They are guiding me to victory. I soon realized after returning from a meeting that my vision I have had for so long, at last is becoming a reality. Supreme power…"
"Hehe…Proof…Proof of his lies!" Sho cried out as he then throw himself towards his desk, leaning over as he panted. Rubbing the sweat off his face, Sho tried to gain back some sense into what he was saying…
"Proof? Haha…What proof…? It is futile." Sho said as he then grind his teeth.
"What…? What am I supposed to be looking for? You damned spirits!?" Sho yelled out as he raised his arms up into the air before he froze hearing the voices respond.
"You are not looking hard enough. Prove to the councils you are worthy. Prove you are the supreme ruler as an Imperial. Kill anyone who gets in your way…"
"Haha…Haha…Yes! I'll talk to them. They will see I am worthy!" Sho cried out as he started to laugh manically as his soul tinted darker.
"I'll kill them…" Sho said in a wicked voice as he fiddled his fingers in a twitched movement.
Two figures were seen sitting at a local café drinking hot coffee as the girl laughed lightly. "Oh Cole…You are something else, I swear." Aeron said with a smile as the young man chuckled.
"Well, I guess you should be returning to the palace uh?" Cole said as he lowered his head.
"Well, maybe to return the gift I got for the princess. But other than that…" Aeron said as she then reached over and took Cole's hand.
"I want to return home." Aeron said with a warm smile as Cole tugged on her hand.
"Are you sure?" Cole asked as Aeron nodded her head. "Yea…" Aeron said as she lowered her head.
"The palace life for me is too boring without you..." Aeron said as she blushed and Cole smiled wider.
'Aeron...' Cole thought lovingly as the scene drifted away with the busy marketplace of crowded people.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Katara blushed as the form fitting dress was seen on her body. It was a wide ruched empire waist dress. Gathered halter bodice with a sarong style skirt. The bottom flowed lightly with a soft cascade ruffle and slit over left leg. Ursa then asked the Katara to spin around lightly.
The girl obeyed as another feature was seen from the beautiful dress, diamond rhinestone detail connecting straps with an interesting diagonal seaming behind her back. It was perfect for the waterbender.
"Oh, it looks wonderful on you…" Ursa said as Katara blushed deeper. "Are you sure? It's far too beautiful for me…" Katara said becoming embarrassed as Ursa walked over to her. "You look lovely, my dear." Ursa said as she traced her fingers over Katara's face and pulled away a few strands of hair back. Katara then smiled as her eyes glistened. Ursa then pulled away as she tilted her head to the side, "The dress you are wearing now is for the dance, but for the ball I'll give you'll wear this." Ursa said as she pulled out a second piece of cloth from the casket.
"Oh wow…" Katara said in amazement as Ursa fanned out the cloth.
"It represents the symbol of traditional ceremonial gowns worn for generations of the leading lady. You'll be wearing this throughout the party. When the dance is announced, you can then remove it for your part." Ursa said as she smiled.
Katara bowed her then looked up at the woman, "Did you wear this once as well?" Katara asked as Ursa smiled faintly, "Yes…" the woman said as her eyes glistened a light sadness.
Katara became concern as she started to speak, but Ursa then cut her off again. "Well then…Now that you have your outfit, you can soon practice in it before the final day." Ursa said as Katara then nodded her head.
"Now then, go prepare for lunch my dear…" Ursa said as she led the girl out of the room, placing Katara's robe on her shoulders.
"Oh, alright…" Katara said as she tucked on the robe then reached for the door. Before leaving Katara turned and smiled softly at the woman. "Thank you…" Katara said with gratitude. Ursa nodded her head as she lightly closed the door.
As Katara left with her robe over the dress, the scene drifted door then to Ursa leaning against the doorway tugging the casket in her arms.
Ursa's eyes narrowed as she smiled sadly, lowering her head as the sight of the flames from the mantle that beamed over her form.
"So you wanted to see me…?" Aang asked as he entered a massive office surrounded by books and a centering fireplace mantle blazing fiercely. "Yes, Avatar Aang…" the man said as he turned to the boy.
"How familiar are you with dark spirits?" the man asked as Aang narrowed his eyes lightly. "Not much…I do know of one. Why do you ask, General Ryuan?" Aang asked as the man corrected him, "Just call me Imperial, Avatar Aang…and to answer your question. I have been researching the reports of dark spirits. My sources mention you are connected with them." Ryuan said as Aang was taken back, "No! I'm not! Well at least not in a bad way…" Aang said as he tried to figure out what the man was getting at.
Imperial Ryuan shifted from his table and stepped to the side, facing the airbender. "Is it not true you dealt with a great spirit while in the Spirit World?" Ryuan asked as Aang lowered his head.
"Yes, but he was defeated…" Aang said.
"Hmm, then how come my sources indicate you believe that a spirit is among the living? This spirit named Koh?" Ryuan asked fully aware of the airbender's recent conversations.
Aang gulped, "I wasn't hoping that was the case. Yet…Nothing has happened. Maybe it was just a consequence." Aang said defending his word as he remembered what happened to Toph. There was no doubt in his mind then…But now, he was hoping it wasn't true.
"Well, it may just be a consequence…But under the palace rule. The Fire Lord must be protected at all costs. His reign is this country's survival. If he dies or worse is possessed, this nation will crumble into ruins." The man said sternly as he turned his head.
"We must take every precaution for his majesty." Ryuan said as Aang started to understand the crisis.
"Imperial Ryuan…Does that mean that something like this, has happened before?" Aang asked as the man tensed then relaxed as he turned staring at the boy.
"You are bold to ask such a question, Avatar Aang." The man said in a serious tone.
Aang lowered his head as he then looked up unsure what to say to the high ranked officer.
"The Fire Nation palace holds many secrets…One of which was given direct order never to reveal to outsiders; only royal family and blood are aware. But, seeing as you are the Avatar. I think one secret should be known…" Ryuan said as he took a deep breathe before parting his lips.
"During Fire Lord Sozin's reign and near the ending of his life. Reports have stated of delusional accounts from Sozin. He started to lose his mind while searching for the Avatar. Before his death, he wrote three testaments about his life. No one has read them accept the royal family. Many prayed for his spirit to be at peace in paradise. Yet his words messaged a sinister evil. Some believe it still lies in the palace." Ryuan said as Aang lowered his head.
"The councils believe Fire Lord Sozin was possessed by an evil spirit." Ryuan said as Aang lifted his head.
"So then…Could that explain Princess Azula's condition?" Aang asked as Ryuan turned his head.
"It is not clear…No one studied Sozin's condition as nothing more than becoming senile. But I think he was more than that…" Ryuan said as he narrowed his eyes.
'Sozin was possessed…He then decided to do the unthinkable…He started…' Ryuan thought unable to think of such a thing as he then heard the boy speak out.
"He started the war…" Aang said finishing the man's thoughts.
"Yes…That is why I asked you to be here. Avatar Aang…Help us find out if this spirit exists. We can't have history repeats itself…" Ryuan said in almost a pleading voice as Aang nodded his head.
"I'll do whatever it takes…" Aang said as Ryuan smiled lightly before bowing.
"Thank you Avatar. You are free to go…Please keep our conversation private. No one needs to know about this. It will only cause panic and dread…" Ryuan said as Aang smiled. "Don't worry, my lips are sealed." Aang said as he then left the office. Ryuan then lowered his head and sighed.
'Maybe he can save us from this nightmare…' Ryuan thought as he turned to the fire behind him thinking deeply.
Sooo many secrets…! What do you think will happen?
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