Everybody help me tease Becka! Ready? One! Two! Three! Becka got asked to Homecoming! Becka got asked to Homecoming! She's been on the edge about his guy for the past few weeks now and it's been very funny. I haven't met him yet but if he's making Becka happy then that makes me happy. The speech Iroh gives is taken right out of the show. If Becka thought of that then I would be really impressed! Ha! Did anybody catch the pun in the title of this chapter? I'm just one funny guy aren't I? (No) Hey! Becka don't make me come over there! (Bring it) Oh it's on! You all read this I'll be right back.
Disclaimer: We do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender if we did then Derek would have the Unagi fight the serpent from The Serpents Pass. It would be called the Ultimate Awesome Super Serpent Fight!
Aang's training had begun early the next morning for a full day's lesson. He and Iroh had ate breakfast and hopped on Appa to head to the outskirts of Ba Sing Se. They had found a large open plain with little to no trees.
"First Aang I want you to tell me everything you know about lightning." Iroh said beginning the training.
"Well I know it leaves a pretty nasty scar." Aang said trying to be funny.
"Stay focused." Iroh said snapping Aang back into attention.
"I only know what Zuko had taught me, how to redirect it. He said that you created it by studying the water benders." This intrigued Iroh.
"So my secret move has passed on to another has it? Very well then, let me start at the begging. Lightning is a pure expression of Firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion, the way other firebending is. Some call lightening "the cold-blooded fire". It is precise and deadly. To perform the technique requires peace of mind. There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang, positive energy and negative energy. Only a select few Firebenders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance, the energy wants to restore balance and in the moment the positive and negative energies come crashing back together you provide release and guidance, creating lightning." Iroh motions for Aang to step back as he begins to move his arms in the circular motions. The air cracks around Iroh's fingers as they turn blue with the energy flowing through them. He lunges forward and releases it into the sky as Aang gets a rather large smile on.
"That was so cool!"
"Calm yourself Aang; you must be patient with this. When I first taught this to Zuko he never got a hold of it because of his impatience. Every time he went to release the lightning he just created an explosion in his face." Aang took a deep breath and followed Iroh through the movements. After an hour Aang got a strong grip on the movements and felt now was the time to try it.
"Ok I think I'm ready."
"Just remember Aang you need a calm mind and once you separate the energy you do not command it, you are simply its humble guide. Now show me what you've got." Iroh moved away as Aang began moving his arms in the same pattern. The air around him began to crack as well. Aang stepped forward and sent the lightning into the sky. The shot was small and sporadic, but it did launch. Aang jumped into the air and rode around on his air scooter.
"Very good Aang, if you keep practicing you will be able to shoot farther and more direct." Aang hopped off his air scooter and landed next to Iroh.
"Thank you very much for teaching this to me Sifu Iroh." Aang bowed to his new master.
"Sifu? Well I've never been called that, even by Zuko, but it does have a nice ring to it doesn't it?" Iroh smiled to the young monk and bowed back.
"Now shall we head back?" Iroh asked receiving a nod of approval from Aang. They boarded Appa and returned to Ba Sing Se. Katara was in just waking up to see Aang missing from the room and hearing Appa's moan from outside. She approached the window to see Iroh and him coming back to the shop. She immediately got dressed and headed down stairs to greet them.
"Where were you two?" Katara asked giving Aang and good morning kiss.
"Well I think it's better if I show you rather than I tell you." Aang looked over to Iroh who nodded to him. They went down to the courtyard were Aang stood in the middle with Katara and Iroh standing safely along the edge.
"I feel kind of bad for waking everybody up, but I know it's definitely worth it." Aang said, he took a deep breath to calm his mind and began moving his fingers, following the same pattern he practiced all morning. Katara's eyes sparkled as she saw the lightning form on the end of Aang's fingertips. Once he stepped forward and released it into the sky Katara shed a tear of joy. She ran over to him and tackled him in a great hug.
"I'm so proud of you! You know how to create lightning! That's unbelievable." Aang cupped her cheek and gave her a very passionate kiss. Their tongues fought for dominance over each other's mouths for what seemed like an eternity. Upon Aang breaking the kiss he stood up with Katara in his arms. He carried her back to the Jasmine Dragon and set her down in one of the chairs.
"Well that's one way to get around. You certainly have gotten stronger." Katara said as Aang sat down next to her. Iroh soon came back inside as well preparing for the wave of customers who wanted some great morning tea.
"Well let's think about it. I have the agility of an Airbender, the flexibility of a Waterbender, the endurance of an Earthbender and the strength of a Firebender. So yeah I would agree that I have gotten stronger." Aang said modestly, causing Katara to giggle at his comment. Sure it was true but whenever Aang acted like Sokka it was funny.
The big day finally came, Aang, Katara, Iroh and Ursa were all aboard Appa making their way to the Fire Nation for Zuko's wedding and soon to be reunion. The only had to stop twice to rest at night before reaching it. Before they landed at the palace Aang had told Ursa to put a robe on and conceal her face. She did as she was told and they made their way to Zuko. He was standing in front of the palace with his arm wrapped around Mai's waist. They made their way down to Appa and the rest of their friends.
"It's good to see you again uncle, how's the tea shop doing?" Zuko asked as he embraced Iroh in a long hug.
"Very good, how are you doing Mai?" Iroh asked as he broke the hug and gave her a hug as well. She returned it with a new sense of happiness.
"I'm very happy, for once." Mai said without any sarcasm or gloom.
"Hello Aang, Katara, how was the trip?" Zuko asked moving down the line of friends.
"It was great and we have a surprise for you, but I think we should go into someplace private." Aang said to Zuko, knowing that once he saw his mother again he would burst into tears of longing and joy.
"If that's what you desire, follow us please." Zuko turned and led them into the palace and his, and soon Mai's, room. They all sat around with Aang and Katara standing next to Ursa, who was still covered by the robes hood.
"So tell me where you went after you left?" Zuko said starting the conversation occasionally looking at the mysterious character in between Aang and Katara.
"Well you know that we left to get Toph back in Gaoling. However she wasn't there and neither was her family, they all moved to Ba Sing Se. On our way to Ba Sing Se we found a secluded village with two very surprising guests living in the village. One was the Earth King, Kuei. We told him that we we're on our way to Ba Sing Se and he wanted to return." Aang said letting the story sink in.
"Well that's good, did he resume control over the city?" Zuko asked.
"Yes he did but that's not the important part, the other person we found is." Aang said motioning to Ursa.
"Well who is it?" Zuko said looking at the person up and down, completely oblivious.
"What you don't recognize her?" Katara teased.
"Well since I can't see anything but a robe and a hood, no I don't recognize her." Zuko said annoyed but remained calm.
"We decided that this person is three things for you. First: she's my thank you to you for saving Katara when you fought Azula."
"It was no problem; I knew she could handle Azula easily anyways." Zuko said smiling at Katara.
"Still I thank you." Aang bowed and continued. "The second thing she is to you is a present, for your new marriage. The third is who she is." Aang motioned for Ursa to remove her hood and she did so. Once Zuko saw his mother again his eyes immediately began tearing up. Mai stared at her with a completely shocked face.
"Mom?" Zuko asked standing up and walking over to her.
"Hi Zuko, it's been a very long time." She said as Zuko embraced her in a long hug. Zuko's faint sobbing could be heard through Ursa's robe. Aang grabbed Katara and left the room to give the family some peace.
"Where have you been all this time?" Zuko asked still holding his mother.
"The eastern side of the Earth Kingdom. It was the safest place from Ozai and the Fire Nation. I'm so sorry I had to leave you." Zuko broke the hug and tried getting a hold of himself.
"Forget about it, the important thing is that your back."
"Yes and it's good to be back. How have you been Mai?"
"I'm much better now that I'm with Zuko."
"I can see that, I'm so happy for the both of you." Ursa, Zuko, Iroh and Mai all enjoyed catching up for the day and only came out for dinner. This was the only time Aang got to talk with Zuko about the upcoming meeting, discussing the city to be built.
"So Zuko what name have you entered for the new city?"
"We actually never came up with a name, so we remained neutral. We will still vote on a name, but we won't enter one."
"I entered Republic City on behalf of the Air Nomads." Aang said proudly.
"Republic city? That's quiet an interesting name, care to say why?"
"That's what I said!" Iroh exclaimed receiving several strange looks.
"Anyways, I chose that name because this is going to be a city to remember, so it needs a name that the people of the future will remember." Aang explained.
"I see, well as of now I'm in support of your name."
"Have you even heard any of the other names yet?"
"Nope." Zuko said.
"Ok then, well glad to have your pre-voting-vote. Oh I almost forgot do you know any great Firebending teachers other than you, Iroh and me? We need to find somebody that will be the teacher of the Firebenders in this new city."
"What about that Jeong Jeong guy?" Zuko offered.
"We thought about it but he would probably refuse the job. Anybody else?"
"I don't really know any other level headed Firebenders. If you asked me of this in fifteen years then I would have several candidates." Aang let out a sigh of disappointment.
"I guess that means I have to do it."
"Don't jump to conclusions yet, I'll send out messages to all the generals to ask if they know anybody."
"That would be great, thanks Zuko." After their conversation Zuko and Ursa continued talking with each other. Happy to be in each other's presence after all this time. Later that night Zuko showed everyone their rooms. Aang had written a note to Zuko and requested a messenger to deliver it right away. As the messenger reached Zuko he was with Mai and Ursa discussing the planning of events for their wedding. Zuko unrolled the message and began reading to himself.
Dear Zuko,
If you remembered the last time we were here we all talked about our situation. We were happy that you said you could help, but now we know for a fact that this is not necessary. Before we left to come here we discovered that Katara isn't pregnant. Both of us are happy that we could avoid children this early, but disappointed that we don't get to start a family yet. Thank you for keeping our secret.
Sincerely,
Aang
P.S. I want to show you something really cool tomorrow morning as well.
Zuko let out a sigh not realizing he drew the attention of both his mother and future wife.
"What did Aang want Zuko?" Mai asked.
"Oh, just that he's happy for us getting married and he wants to show me something tomorrow." Zuko half-lied hopping it was enough.
"Normally you don't exhale deeply in relief knowing somebody is happy about our wedding or that they want to show you something. But I guess if you want to keep secrets with your friends then that's fine, as long as they're not about or concerning me." Mai finished. Zuko nodded and kissed his wife.
They're you go guys and girls: The Zuko and Ursa reunion. Up next Aang becomes a show off, what could he possibly want to show Zuko? I guess you'll find out next chapter. Speaking of the next chapter, the Maiko wedding will be taking place next chapter and I do believe it will be the first time in this story that we ship something other than Kataang. I don't know if I want a Maiko honeymoon scene yet so I guess we'll find out in the next chapter. Also Becka tickled me into submission...sometimes she just knows how to win...ok most of the time...Fine! All of the time! Happy? How does she always win? Alright everybody enjoy your labor day weekend!
Review Responses: New Record! 15 reviews for this chapter! Thank you all for your contribution.
KataangWriterLove: Yes, the story will have more lemon, but we don't want it to be random. I might do a Maiko honeymoon scene, but I don't know. I'm not very proud of the first one I wrote so it might be awhile if I decide against the honeymoon.
Mithendel: Nothing like a pregnancy scare to get you ready for the day right? Ok not really. As For the lightning lesson part, we figured since Aang learned how to advance in waterbending with healing why can't he do the same with firebending and learn how to create lightning?
xxAnumxx: It's not a problem at all, I just got to get paid before her birthday…I should but it wouldn't be the first time my boss forgot to send my pay check before. I don't really understand what you mean by getting back at the general. We just thought it would be cool if Aang was the 'founder' of Republic City.
allikittenkat1: We completely agree, neither of us have read a story where Aang and Katara have sex and don't end up pregnant. We know that the chances of that happening are slim to none but still. I know! Isn't the whole matching without trying to match thing just awesome? As expected, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
JasmineDragon22: We understand, we…well…I only advertised my other story because it was what I went through. I deleted that story from this site only seeing it as a bad memory. I really like your story as well; it's coming along rather nicely. I have never heard of an author just come up with an idea before. Every single author I have ever read a story from, all had inspiration or help with their story to create it. I would be lying to you if I said we don't get ideas from other stories and change them to fit our own.
The Dark Knight's Revenge: Yeah, I'm more of a coloring guy, a pretty damn good one might I add, and Becka isn't really into art…so I don't think that your ostrich horse idea is going to come alive, but it is a funny one! A trampoline would be awesome but I was thinking more of a really deep foam pit! Now that would be awesome! Haha I just cracked up from reading what your funniest part was. We felt that some people wouldn't have any idea what we were talking about so we decided to explain…sort of. I would put - :D – at the end of my sentences as well but I kind of have a lot. :D
kataang-is-my-passion: Haha, thank you very much. We have been a very happy couple. I'm taking her to Homecoming next week so it will be our first dance together. She does support it, but she's not really a fan of the show. So she won't help me with the whole editing thing. That's ok though, I'm just happy we're together.
katieykat: I really hope your being honest by saying that…That would really mean a lot to both of us.
xxICanSeeYouxx: Well that was quiet the review. How long did it take you to write that? Jk…you ever realize that after you say jk it tends to make people even more angry that you said whatever?
Private LL Church: I can completely respect that. We are actually very excited for Korra; although it's going to be hard to adjust from Aang and Katara to Tenzin and Korra. I don't think they'll be in a relationship but you never know. For the Katara pregnancy scare part, I read about three or four stories all of which Katara ended up pregnant so maybe the repetitiveness of it was an influence on our decision.
Kimjuni2: Haha, thank you and what exactly is that face you left? We know what this is - :P - but not - :d
Buddygirl1004: Well now isn't that a coincidence? I guess it's a small world after all. Becka says your little sister has the best name in the world…ok then, not going to touch that subject.
ServerusDmitri18: Thank you and aren't we all? I don't know who created this site but they're amazing.
Kataang4ever1: We have yet to read a story that contains the Legend of Korra so we thought we would be first, or amongst the first. I don't think I follow, what problem are you talking about?
Jessica Vayne: You are going to be my one exception for an anonymous user sending in a review. I hope you read this also. Fan Fiction doesn't like when other people give out URL's so whenever you give an Email or a web page you have to code it somehow. On our profile page you can click on the email button and send me an email from that. I would love to fill you in on all the details of that story. Mainly how you are terribly wrong about the guy. He's a dick (pardon the language).