Book 4 Air

Chapter 100 In Memory

The morning sun raised over head the Fire Nation as the Royal Palace came into view. Workers and servants hurried for the final preparations of the upcoming ceremony.

Pacing down the halls with fabrics and candles the female servants entered into the ball room and then closed the door behind them. The scene then moved to the dining room, workers finishing fixing the torn chairs and broken class as another group of workers were seen sealing up the walls. Everything had to be perfect when the guests arrive. A woman dressed in a dark peach dress with an apron was seen as she surveyed the rooms. "Hurry now, no time can be wasted on the last day…" the woman said as two of the servants bowed to her.

The woman then pulled out a scroll showing a list of the guests who will be arriving. Placing a pair of gold rimmed glasses on, she read through the list. As the woman scoffed at some of the names mentioned a general was seen walking up to her. "Are the nobles attending?" the general asked the head staff member as she turned to the man. Her nose pointed and snobbish as she glanced at the man before speaking, "It seems the governor of New Ozai will be attending along with his wife and son." The woman said as the general remembered the governor's ties with the war and how controversial it would be for him to attend along with his family. General Jee then nodded his head to the woman.

"Very well, please report to the Imperial on the guests." Jee said as he quickly dismissed himself and left down the hall.

'This is serious…' the man thought as he entered into the western wing of the palace.


Zuko rose from his bed and dressed in his royal robes before leaving his room. Walking down the hall in a regal fashion, he then came up to the gallery hallway as he then saw a figure standing. It was Azula looking at one of the paintings. Zuko stood by her side before turning his attention to the royal painting of his father.

"Azula?" Zuko said as the girl turned to the young man. Her hair was neatly pulled back in a bun as her once chopped up bangs were cut evenly as they covered her forehead. Dressed in a simple robe, she almost appeared like her old self. But happier personality wise, Zuko knew for sure.

"He was hurting when he was dying…" Azula said as she lowered her head. "His skin was cold and his heart was fading. Yet he kept saying how he loved mom and for her to forgive him." Azula said as she gazed back at the painting. "I think in the end, it was meant to be." Azula said as Zuko nodded his head. "Yea." Zuko said as he then mentioned the ceremony. "I was wondering when I should cremate his body. Today might be appropriate and besides I know the cooler can't hold up forever to keep his body intact." Zuko said as Azula nodded her head. "Yes, today shall be a good day…We can then move on." Azula said as she slightly surprised Zuko. He then smiled faintly as he walked pass her.

"Would you care to have some breakfast?" Zuko asked as Azula shook her head. "No, I'll have some later." Azula said as she then turned and walked down the opposite way down the hall as Zuko watched her leave.

'Sister…' Zuko thought with sadness as he then slowly walked down to the dining room.


Once he entered the room Zuko noticed everyone else has arrived including Momo on Aang's shoulder as he smiled lightly.

"I see you have brought the lemur this morning…" Zuko said with a slight chuckle as Aang patted his flying friend on the head. "Yup, he was getting tired staying in the Komodo rhino stalls with Appa." Aang said as Toph watched Momo's tail curl and sway. "He's just as I imagined. Weird looking little fur ball." Toph said as Aang pouted. "He's not weird looking." Aang said defending the lemur as he then purred out before jumping up and flying to the corner of the room where new planted pots were placed after the construction.

The pots had a beautiful display of red dwarf poinciana flowers with bright orange calendulas. The scene then drifted to Zuko sitting at the head table and picking up a glass of fresh squeezed red grapefruit. After he took a sip, the Fire Lord then looked at Katara. He smiled slightly before the doors behind his chair opened and servants walked out with trays of food.

As the group finished their meals of rice and cooked vegetables with sides of red curry fish, Zuko stood up and announced the memorial of his father to his friends.

"You don't have to come if you don't want too. I just thought it would be best to let you all know." Zuko said as he then sat back down and took another sip of juice.

Aang thought about the memorial. He should at least show some respect to the previous Fire Lord. He was after all a human being, even if he was evil.

The day carried out with Katara and Zuko practicing a small session while Suki and Sokka spent their time playing a card game with a 40 card kabufuda deck. Toph and Aang took a walk in the courtyard then had tea with Iroh enjoying his stories of travel.

The day was a peaceful as the scene moved to the studio where Zuko and Katara performed the dance. Sweat dripped off their bodies as the musicians played harder and faster.

Katara felt vibrant as she kicked her leg up while Zuko held from the side before turning his head. Their hands entwined before pushing away. Katara spun then posed outward then fell back to the young man as he held her waist. The two teens looked deeply into each other's eyes before Zuko leaned forward and Katara went back. Zuko held the girl up as she flexed herself down. Zuko then quickly pulled the girl up as she wrapped her arms around his neck before guiding her leg up his thigh. Their moves were in sync and carried deep passion. They were ready for the ceremony.


As the day continued on Katara entered into her room to find Ming patiently waiting for her.

"I was asked to see if you wanted to attend the memorial." Ming asked as she bowed her head.

Katara lowered her head, she did think about it earlier but now she wasn't sure. Would it be alright to be there? She knew she should show respect and attend the memorial. But something in her heart felt almost sick. Katara turned her head as she spoke calmly. "I'm sorry…I will not be attending. Send my regards to Ursa and Zuko." Katara said as she entered into her bedroom. Ming bowed her head then turned to the woman, "Shall I prepare you a warm bath?" Ming asked as Katara nodded her head. "Yes, that would be nice." Katara said in a low tone.

As the servant girl entered into the bathroom, Katara sighed and looked out the window, 'Is this really the right thing to do?' the girl thought as she watched the sun set behind the towers.


As the male servants dressed their lord in the white robes with a golden collar and cuffs, Zuko remained as regal as possible as the final touches were placed on his bun. Walking out of the room, the Fire Lord entered into the antechamber he met up with his sister and mother. The family of three then walked into the entrance hall before exiting out of the palace and to the courtyard.

Zuko was surprised to see the Avatar waiting by the front gates. Aang gave a formal bow before turning to the carriages behind him. The four then entered into the golden and red carriage as it led them to the Fire Nation shrine.


The Imperials, royal guards, generals and loyal servants were present at the memorial as the family and Avatar walked on the site. The five sages entered on the open stage as the councils were seen preparing to give out a speech in honor of the previous Fire Lord.

"Fire Lord Ozai ruler of the Fire Nation for six years may his soul rest in peace with the great God Agni." Lo and Li both said as the five Sages formed into a stance and released their firebending, burning the golden metal casket with the body. The orange flames rose high over the golden phoenix statue which spreads its wings over the casket. Ursa shed her tears as Azula and Zuko remained silent as they watched the flames. Aang looked out at the crowd before turning to the royal family. It was clear to Aang now how hard it must be for them. They lost someone they loved who was a father and a husband, not just a lord to his people.

Aang then closed his eyes as he smelt the ash and burning flesh. His soul felt content inside that he decided to attend and show his respects.

As the flames continued to burn a servant came up to Ursa and Zuko's side whispering something to them before bowing deeply. Ursa nodded her head with a small smile while Zuko held an unreadable expression. The scene shifted to the rising smoke as the sun was seen setting quietly behind the towers.

Zuko narrowed his eyes as he recalled his grandfather's burial and his father's crowned moment. How his appearance show such pride and power. The youthful eyes of the small prince never could have understood his father's true feelings that day. A hint of sadness was seen later that day as he remember seeing his father in his bedroom holding a fire lily firmly in his grasp.

Zuko then looked at his mother. She must be so heartbroken over this. The young man held out his hand and lightly touches his mother's hand giving her some silent comfort as she grasped his hand. The woman smiled faintly as she still continued to watch the flames burn brightly.

As the flames died down and the Sages bowed deeply, the conicls removed the ashes and bone. Placing them in a black painted urn engraved with a golden phoenix. Lo and Li then walked over to Ursa handing her, her husband's remains. The woman took the container and held it tightly to her heart.

The scene slowly backed away with the setting sun drifting down in a blurred haze.


Next chapter will have the ceremonial dance and wedding of Zuko and Katara including a yummy lemon later. Thanks for reading and please review for a quick update!!!!

Also as an added note:

Kabufuda are Japanese playing cards used for gambling games such as Oicho-Kabu.

Kabufuda cards, like the related hanafuda ("flower cards") are smaller and stiffer than Western playing cards. A deck contains 40 cards, with designs representing the numbers 1 through 10. There are four cards for each number.

The object of all kabufuda games is to get a total closest to nine.