This chapter is for zutarafan I'm glad you like it! :)
The after school hours came quickly and Zeta and her friedns often went to a popular tea shop called the golden dragon. The golden dragon was trictly an upper class restaurant and they boasted that they catered to the taste of the princess The girl school got out earlier than the male school in the Fire Nation capitol and while the young ladies sipped delicious steaming cups of tea many of the males were just beginning there walk home. They sat at a seat on the top floor. The Best seat in the house. It was a patio balcony where the grils could over look the city. They had just been discussing how bored they had been in the math lesson when all of a sdden Suzuki broke the chatter with gasping. She gasped choking on her own breath as she pointed shamlessly to the growd of people below.
"Suzuki! Suzuki!" Zeta called feverishly, "What is it? Are you having an allergic reaction?" Zeta asked as she rubbed the girls back. Uma's eyes bugged out her head as she watched her friend struggling and pointing with her arms waving about wildly like a maniac.
"No! NO!" Suzuki's voice was a hoarse whisper. "Look down quick!" she told her friends.
"Suzuki, what's wrong?" Uma begged.
"Look down!" she exclaimed even more desperately as she pushed her two friends heads down. Both girls tried to buck against the forceful hands of their counterpart but found it useless. Finally Zeta managed to twist free from under the grip.
"Suzuki what is going on?" she demanded.
"What are we looking at?" asked Uma in annoyance as she removed the girl's hand from the back of her neck. From what she could see they were staring at a crowd on a busy street. Nothing interesting was going on just a crowd of people walking. Zeta quickly grabbed her spying glass from her backpack. She peered deeper into the crowd.
"Oh there's Otka!" she remarked happily. Otka was Avatar Aang's adopted son. The Avatar stayed in the Fire Nation after the war had ended. The air temples were only empty shadows of the past and his people were gone and he sought to rebuild a new group of airbenders. He found Otka left on his step one night. He took Otka in and raised him as the monks had raised Him. In time he began to try and teach Otka airbending seeing that Otka had developed no other bending ability. Otka had developed into an airbender amazingly enough. Katara said that the spirits would restore order and that they did it through this. Otka was another close friend of Zeta's. He was just like family to her. Zeta started to wave and call out to her friend
"Tako? Tako?" Uma remarked bitterly. "You get us all worked up over Otka?"
"No, no. Not Otka! Kenai!" she swooned as she pointed to the taller more dapper young man standing next to Otka.
Kenai was the son of one of Fire Lord's most trust advisors, General Wang. General Wang was one of the chief officials in the army and 7 sons. Kenai was not his oldest, but was the One closest to Zeta in age and of all of the sons was the most talented bender. Though Kenai had 2 older brothers everyone figured that when General Wang retired he would leave the regency of the army to Kenai. Kenai was a severe fighter. He competed in many tournaments and always won. Oh yes his prowess with the fire was quite impressive. He was not only a natural bedner, but a naturally physically appealing lad. He was strong built and his muscles were even more delicately crafted from all the time he spent training. His eyes were as gold as a great flame themselves, his hair was long and curly. Zeta knew that both Kenai and the general had approached her father about an arranged marriage between the two of them.
She was about 13 at the time and was supposed to be going to a music lesson, but of course she was late. She was on her way to the music room when she saw her father coming out of the throne room with General Wang and she heard her name mentioned. Why would they be talking about her in a military meeting? The general could have just been being polite asking about her, but still if people were talking about her she had a right to know. Besides she was already late to the music lesson, what would difference would a few more minutes make. "I appreciate your offer General, but…" The fire Lord began, "Zeta is still very young."
"Not so young, not so young that she couldn't be betrothed. You only have one heir majesty and I'm sure you wouldn't want her marriage to be as politically unsettling as your own."
"The people loved Katara," Zuko shot back.
"Of course, naturally after time, but this would be a strong alliance from the start. The whole court agrees your majesty and finding a good husband for princess Zeta is imperative for the nation. With Zeta being of mixed heritage some could call into question her authority to rule and besides only a few women have reigned on the throne singularly." The general explained.
"Zeta's only 13 and I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon," The Fire Lord growled.
"Of course not your majesty I was only pointing out that it would be good to have a plan in place, to ensure that your daughter gets the throne."
"No one would dare question Zeta's right to rule."
"Has your majesty considered taking another wife?" asked the chief general.
What?" Zuko practically barked.
"In time you may consider doing so," The general shrugged. "If you did hypothetically speaking of course, and you and your new fire lady had children those children could try to take the throne."
"I'm not planning on remarrying," The Fire Lord let the advisor know off the back
"I am merely suggesting that having a strong male counterpart to take the role of Fire Lord might go over better with the people."
"Your son Kenai is an impressive youth." The fire Lord mused cautiously
"Very much so majesty. He is the same age as the princess and they know each other. I think in time they would naturally court anyway." General Wang said with a smirk.
Zeta gasped at hearing where this conversation was going. Would her father realyl give her an arranged marriage? After the way he and her mother had such a passionate love. She wanted that too. NO he couldn't do that to her. He wouldn't do hat to her. And if he was she wouldn't stand by and take it idly. Even if it was to Kenai, sure he was gorgeous, but he was arrogant. She couldn't be settled with that for the rest of her days. This was becoming too much and so the princess ran. Fleeing before the conversation took a turn for the worse.
"Do you see this! Do you see this?" Uma pointed out bitterly as her finger was directed in Suzuki's direction, "this is what I've had to deal with for the past couple of days. This swooning phoenix over here!" Uma's lips were set tight as she watched Suzuki swoon and sigh and clutch her hand to her heart as she gazed on the handsome boy.
"When did you start to like Kenai?" asked Zeta slightly laughing as she shook her head. Kenai was so conceded. He was handsome and he knew it and he would surely not be the type to place any girl over his ego. Suzuki would be so eager to please him, but could easily be crushed by his bad temper.
"How could I resist him. His family came over to eat last week. It was simple business, but everything about him was so perfect and refined."
"Did you guys talk?" asked Zeta.
"No!" Uma blurted out quickly, "This dumb-dumb was to shy to utter two peeps to the boy!"
"I was stricken dumb Zeta, I mean some looks are so pleasing they just take your breath away!"
"Oh please!" said Uma as she imitated gagging.
"He's so gorgeous! But I know he'll never look in my direction," Suzuki said in a mumbling tone. Suzuki never had thought she was a beauty. She was short, rounder in body type, her ayes were almost a muddy brown rather than a sunny gold, her hair though it was black had never managed to grow past her shoulders.
"Oh that's nonsense Suzuki, why would you say that?" asked Princess Zeta tenderly.
"Well look at me Zeta?" she pointed to herself. "I'm not exactly like you and Uma... pretty," she sighed,
Uma and Zeta exchanged glances. Uma was usually one who was quick with a comment but her friends sadness was definitely something to deal with. "Suzuki your pretty," the both reassured her.
"It's ok girls I know I'm not," she confessed.
"Suzuki none of that you're just as pretty as anyone!" Zeta shushed. "You just need more confidence! Confidence is what really attracts men!" she pointed out.
"And a new wardrobe!" Uma stated with a snap of her fingers.
"You know what, I could talk to him for you Suzu!" declared Princess Zeta.
"Oh would you Zeta?" Suzuki asked with glee. "I'd do anything to talk to him!"
"Yeah sure," Zeta shrugged as if it was no big deal. "His father and my father often met, Kenai stops by and him and I often talk when he does. Maybe I'll just happen to drop your name into conversation," Zeta snickered.
"Ok, ok, but don't say anything embarrassing!" Suzuki cautioned as she pressed her finger to her lips thinking more about all that was being implied.
"Would I ever?" asked Zeta with mocked offense. As the princess stood up and pointed to herself. Her friends nodded in unison, while chiming yes. She only laughed as she prepared to leave. She gathered her belongings and prepared to go.
Royal women in the Fire Nation for centuries had sponsored charities. Princess Zeta had to assume the role as the official lady of the Fire Nation since her mother died. She over saw all the state dinners, balls and entertainment for dignitaries from other nations. Another one of her duties was to support a charitable campaign. Katara, had wanted for the Fire Nation to have more hospitals. The Fire Nation had a lot of advanced technology and medicine, but healthcare was expensive and for the poorer peasants of the Fire Nation it seemed completely out of reach. So her mother developed a healing facility in the capital called the Painted Lady Estates. It was a free place for the sick to come. Her mother would heal those injured and sick to the best of her ability. It was a demanding job for one healer. The Painted lady Estates still was a functioning charity, a healer from the Northern Water Tribe named Yugoda had sent 2 of her best healers to work there in honor to Fire Lady Katara's legacy. Painted Lady estates had also become an orphanage. Years after the war many families were still displaced and the Painted Lady Estates was a place for them. Zeta did her work with the children.
Her charity work was for a thrust for National Literacy. The Fire Nation had a long history of sharing vast knowledge with the rest of the World. It was for such knowledge and culture that the war had originally begun. The education system in the Fire Nation was top notch to make sure that the nation continued to thrive Zeta had organized the Scrolls on Fire Movement. In which children were awarded for scholarly pursuits. These grants came straight from the royal treasury and so far it had been a success. Once a month Princess Zeta would go to visit the orphan children at Painted Lady Estates and read to them.
The yard where the children played was busy with activity. The children chased each other tumbling through the green grass, splashing in the fountains. Son were bandaged and bruised. Some elderly people who were attending the hospital sat in the lawns and watched the young tikes play. Zeta smiled as she entered the yard. In many ways she still felt like them wanting the run and flop on the ground herself. She decided to follow the impulse. A few little girls were playing rope and Zeta immediately ran in.
One little girl looked quite upset about what happen. AHey wait your turn! she shouted not knowing who she was speaking to. Zeta was still jumping when she merely turned around to face the child and she gave the little girl a breath taking smile. The child gasp as she jerked her hands back and forth in front of her. The two other little girls were also floored. They stood dumbfounded at the princess=s presence. Their mouths were hanging open and the rope ahd completely fallen out of the hands. APrincess Zeta! the exclaimed soon after as they ran around her barely avoiding crashing into each other all scrambling to receive a hug from the loveliest woman in the Fire Nation. She laughed and hugged them back. It didn=t take long for the 3 little girls cries of joy to be heard throughout the playground and soon a herd of children charged the Fire Lord's daughter
"Alright! Alright!" Zeta called out from under a pile of children. Her slim frame managed to slip from out of the dog pile of scraggily looking youths. Their clothes were plain and basic burgundy tops and black bottoms for boys and pink dresses with red sashes to wrap aroudn their waist for girls. Many of the children didn't even own a pair of shoes. It saddened and hurt Zeta to see little children in such a state. The children were well care for and fed well of course, but some of them had been there for so many years that it seemed they had little chance of getting adopted. She pushed the thought from her mind as she straightened her tunics out and smoothers her hair back. The children were starting to get up now too, many flying off at the mouth trying to tell their princess different stories. One boy was in her face pointing to the back of his mouth trying to show a new missing tooth he'd earned, but this wasn't a natural occurrence of age and maturation the boy had lost a tooth in a scrap. "Easy, easy!" the princess tried to soothe the children. "Now I still want a full jump," she explained. "Who is gonna turn for me?" she questioned.
Immediately the children jumped up their hands reaching for the sky as the oohed for her to pick them. Even the boys were fighting for a position to turn for her royal highness. "Eenie, meanie..." Zeta began jestingly, "OK how bout Mitzi and Tao," the princess states summoning two little girls to come and turned for her. They did so with great enthusiasm and as she jumped the children chanted a common jump rope song.
"Winter, spring, summer, fall four seasons, four loves for you to choose."
Zeta replied by choosing fall.
"F-A-L_L the children spelled "Fall down rich man fall down poor, rich man sends poor man to the store. Poor man buys what the rich don't get today the poor will be fed," The children laughed as the jump rope rhyme finished.
"What all this?" a brown skinned Water Tribe woman came and demanded from the youth. "You all are too loud. This is a place of healing for some. How can they recover if there is so much yelling and screaming?" she asked. She was stern featured, but pretty. She wore all blue. Obviously not adopting the customs of the Fire Nation. She then looked up to see Princess Zeta standing with a circle of youngsters around her. "Your Highness!" she gasped. "What an honor to have you with us today," she extended her arms welcoming the young woman. "To what do we owe such an unexpected surprise?" she said smiling, but startled by the princess being there.
Zeta stepped forward looking lovely with her red painted lips, holding one child on her hips and walking with another holding her hands. "I know it has been a while since I've visited you all, but I haven't forgotten you," The princess explained.
"Of course not your majesty, you are a very busy young woman. We are always thrilled to see you. I can tell that the children are. Please come in allow us to offer you some refreshment?" she asked as she took the child from the princess' arms and lead the way in. Zeta and the orpahns all following behind.
Zeta accepted to cool drink. "I brought one of my favorite scrolls to read to the boys and girls today, if that's alright?" she asked.
"Your highness your never have to ask of course! Of course it's alright. Please children, children!" the attendant called. "Princess Zeta had volunteered to read for us!" she watched the eyes of the children light up, "Now isn't that wonderful?" the crowd of kids cheered. Both Zeta and the Water Tribe woman giggled. "Well she can not read until you all are quiet and content," the orphanage mother explained.
Soon the children took seats on the floor. The princess had a chair brought out for her to sit on as she read from the scroll. "This is one of my favorite stories," the young firebender explained. "I hope when we are done you will feel the same." She gave a wink and began to read.
Long ago before the Four nations were as they are now the Spirit World and the Mortal World were closely combined and many spirits made homes amongst men. One such spirit was Phoenix. Phoenix was a fire Spirit that lived inside the Volcanoes. She was beautiful but her wrath was deadly and she was easily angered. She would spring forth from the magma filled mountains with her wings of flames and her tail feathers carried the lava..
She was lonely and bored inside the volcano and so went out to visit the Sun Warriors, they were the heirs of Agni the great Fire Spirit. When the men and women of the Village saw the beautiful bird they made it a contest to see who could catch her. Many tried but all failed. To Phoenix this was great sport. But Agni soon grew angry about the fact that his people were being so easily deceived. So he sent forth his faithful servant, a thieving spirit called the Blue Spirit to track down Phoenix. He studied her for days and learned her weaknesses, she didnt have many, but she was vain and loved to look at her golden plumage of flames in the waterfalls. Like all birds she also loved music. The crafty Blue Spirit played the magical songi horn to lull the magnificent bird to sleep while she gazed at her reflection and then he caught her and took her back to the stone palace of the Sun Warrior King.
She awoke she was chained in a cage so that she could not fly away. A handsome Sun warrior stepped forth and looked at her like she was a rare specimen. She recognized him though, "Agni!" she squawked, "I should have known this was trick of yours. Release me at once!"
"You are the trickster Phoenix. Knowing these mortals can not catch you for your firebending is too great. It is not fair!" he demanded.
"So you send The Blue Spirit to capture me and make me a sport for mortals to laugh at? Never! I am Phoenix and I will not be bound forever!" she insisted.
"I have no intention to bind you forever my dear, well not with in a cage no less," Agni chuckled as he thought of a clever trick. " It has been long since we met. Many centuries since we have had time alone together," the great fire spirit confessed.
"What do you want?" she demanded.
"So quick to get to the point my dear, well then fine. I want to marry you!" He said authoritatively.
"You have courted many women Agni spirit and mortal, how do I know you will be faithful?" Agni could not deny his conquest of beauties.
"I will make you my queen here amongst the Sun Warriors. You will be the chieftess." He said in hopes to prove his faithfulness to the lovely spirit. Indeed Phoenix had always loved Agni. In his human form he was handsome his skin glowed like a white flame his hair was jet black, but his eyes ever held the power of the sun. Together she knew they would have a fire Passionate love. And so she excepted his proposal. Revealing herself in human form she was an equal in beauty. Creamy skin and gold eyes and onyx hair. For Years they ruled majestically and benevolently over the sun warriors. Phoenix was the First female Firebender that the sun warriors had ever seen.
After years of devotion Agni eventually spurned Phoenix had an affair with another. She was stranger in the land of the Sun Warriors. She was from the swamp dwellers. She had been sent by her people to beg the sun warriors for help because the swamps were badly flooded but perhaps the power of Fire would dry up the access water. Agni agreed and went personally to assist the swamp dweller, but he was soon captivated by her beauty and gentle nature. Phoenix caught the two lovers talking by moonlight and became enraged. She attempted to kill the swamp, but Agni stopped her and the swamp girl fled. And Agni seeing how angered Phoenix was banished her back to the volcano until her temper cooled.
Phoenix only scoffed as she was sent away, but she didn't go the her volcanic palace, but rather to the home of the swamp dweller and there she unleashed her vengeance not only on the one girl but all her people. Burning their homes and striking fear in their hearts. Some of the people were able to escape, but many perished including the young girl who had fallen into Agni's good graces.
"Please!" the swamp girl cried as she came face to face with the fury of Phoenix. "I meant no harm or disrespect. Do what you want to me, but spare my village!" she begged dropping to her needs and pleading before the Fire Spirit
Phoenix only smirked as she struck the woman down and watch the village burn to the ground. News of this spread to all people and to the spirit world. Agni was enraged, but no one could track down Phoenix to bring her to justice. Agni saddened that the young swamp woman had died for his treachery to his wife went to the spirit world to try and convince the one who gaurded the mortal souls to let the young woman return. He was told that her time as a mortal had ended, but she could return as a gaurdian.
While Agni was away Phoenix rose again and returned to the Sun Warriors. She raised them up and told them to go fight against the swamp dwellers for they were her enemies and therefore the enemies of all those who called their element flame. Without hesitation the Sun Warriors were lead into battle by their queen and they waged a great war. Phoenix had caused volcanoes to rise and destroyed much land and Many people. Finally all the Spirits agreed that Phoenix must be stopped before she conquered the world to appease her vengeance.
Zephyr, the female wind Spirit was close to Agni and went to him about the matter. "We've all decided that Phoenix is out of control. She's too dangerous. She is tearing the world apart!"
"I know, but what can I do?"
"This is a special dagger. One forged by the Blue Spirit, it should do the trick."
Agni looked up and Zephyr with horror and shock. She had never been a cruel spirit. She was always gentle and kind. "I...I couldn't, she is my wife!" Agni cried.
"She is too dangerous now brother! She is out of control. The Mortal world is crumbling under her wrath and when she is through with them she will come to seek havoc here, in the Spirit World." Zephyr warned. Though it was hard for Agni he heeded her words for he knew they were true.
So he went to seek Phoenix and he soon found her in a lodging inside a volcano. When she saw the great Fire Spirit she only snarled. "It's been a long time since my husband has come to call." she said as she sat calmly on her fiery throne.
"What have you done?" Agni yelled
"I have taken my vengeance."
"You have caused pain to everyone especially me." Agni admitted.
"And what of my pain? You humiliated me by seeking love from a mortal!" she thundered causing lightening to flicker in the sky.
"You will stop all this violence." Agni ordered.
"I take orders from no one. I am queen of the Sun warrior and I am Phoenix!" with that she lunged at her husband and their battle of flame, lightening and lava raged on for day and night and many more days and night after that. No one was winning or losing. Finally Agni realized he had to bring an end to the madness and so he took the dagger and stuck it into Phoenix's chest. She let out a great cry and with that volcanoes all across the globe erupted. And a great could of ash rained down as she died.
Agni mourned for his wife and his tears created a river a river that runs through the Fire Nation to this day. The River is now gaurded by the Painted Lady, who was swamp girl who Agni had also loved.
Phoenix was Spirit and thus immortal and though they killed her in one form she could never be completely gone. From the ashes of her destruction Phoenix rose and took on new Forms as great female Firebenders of the past and even now a Phoenix may walk among us." said Princess Zeta as she concluded her story.
The children sat mesmerized at the Young princess' tale. The Waterbender who was their attendant seemed positively chilled by the tale. Zeta had told the story splendidly, but she had never considered that story to be a happy one as she had heard Zeta exclaim it.
Princess Zeta soon got up to leave as the children kindly thanked her. "We thank you very much Princess Zeta for honoring us with your presence today." expressed the care taker of the children.
"Its always a joy." the princess said graciously. "I do hope that the children enjoyed the story."
"Oh are you kidding! They absolutely adored it. You saw their eyes all wide with wonder. Those are the makings of a great storyteller." Storytelling was a respected preofession in the Water Tribe. "You said that was one of your favorite stories princess?" the quiet caretaker asked.
"Why yes!" Zeta exclaimed. "Had you heard it before. It's more of a Fire Nation legend, than a water tribe one," Zeta explained matter a factly.
"Perhaps, but I assure you the Phoenix story has versions in all nations."
"Really? I'd love to hear them sometime," she said as if she was about to command the woman to tell her the Water Tribe rendition on the spot.
"Well..." the woman began nervously. "Perhaps another time, your highness?".
"Yes another time would be fine. Oh wouldn't it be wonderful if the children could present the story to me!" she exclaimed pointing to herself.
"Oh that would be a nice idea princess Zeta. I'm sure they'd be happy to do so. As you can see all the young ones love you."
"Well the next time I pop in I would like for the children to tell me the Water Tribe Story of the Phoenix. Ooh and they can make a theatrical presentatiopn out of it!" she thought of as she snapped her fingers and watched a little spark fly.
"If that is what you request my lady of course," The Water tribe woman bowed her head to the command of the young royal.
"Splendid!" Zeta was pleased as punch. She loved theater and quit frankly just loved to be entertained period. Her father had said that she got her love for the arts from his mother, Ursa. He told her about how his mother would often take the family to see a production by the Ember Island Players a famous theatrical group in the Fire Nation. Zeta also enjoyed performances by them.
Zeta was walking along getting ready to return to the palace. She had snuck away from her guard that morning. Zeta had no problem being royalty. In fact she loved it, but sometimes she just needed to do things on her own such as stroll to school and home from scool. Though now it was growing later and her feet wee tired and she was wondering would it have been better to have kept her liter around.
"Hey Ze!" an enthusiastic male voice called to her from a distance that was quickly gaged as a puff of smoke raced to be by her side and when the cloud settled it revealed the welcoming face of her good friend Otka. Otka was the handsome son of Aang. Otka was light skinned with tawny brown hair and greenish looking eyes.
"Otka!" the princess greeted back with equal enthusiasm as she flung her arms in the air and wrapped them around his neck. Otka relaxed at her touch and embraced her tight and strong. He caught the rapturous scent of her black mane and breathed in the sweet smell of Jasmine and lilies.
"I didn't know you were back out and about yet," he shrugged. His cheeks were slighlty flushed when they let go of ach other, but luckily for the young airbender Zeta hadn't noticed.
"I stopped by the palace to visit you the other day... well.. Me and dad, but you were resting. How are you feeling now Zeta?"
"I'm feeling fine. I'm sure my dad exaggerated my condition." she said now it was the princess' turn to be embarrassed. "Does everybody know Otka, tell me?" She demanded as she gripped him by the shoulders and began to shake him. Otka was flimsily built.
"Does everybody know what?" he retorted and knocked her delicate fingers from around his shoulders.
"About what happened to me?" she shrieked.
"Well The Fire Lord sent word to dad and me immediately. I imagine maybe aunt Toph and your aunt and uncle know, but"
"No that's not what I mean! Other people... like... like the citizens?" she almost whispered as an elderly couple passed by.
"Well how should I know?"
"Have people been talking about it at school and things"
"Well I think I may have casually mentioned it to someone, just so they could keep you in their prayers," Otka shrugged trying to continue walking. He didn't like to stand in one place for too long.
"Otka you told everyone!"
"Not everyone," he jumped back and pointed his hand at his chest with offense.
"Otka you know how gossipy everyone is at the academies!" she said punching him in the shoulder.
"Ouch!" he yelped while jumping back. Zeta began to storm away. Otka walked briskly behind her. "Hey look I didn't know it was top secret."
"Well why would you think I'd want everyone to know that I allowed that murderous fiend who's been terrorizing our Nation escape is beyond me!" she railed.
"Zeta I think you"I really wanted to prove myself you know?" Zeta said. Otka stood behind her and she wrapped her arms around herself tight. AI just feel like a fool! she protested. She could feel the tears pricking at her eyes, but she would not cry. Not in public on the streets. She was a princess after all and a princess had to have some dignity.
"Hey Ze," Otka whispered as his hand came and touched her back. "It's Ok. No one thinks less of you. I...I'm sorry if my big mouth has in anyway made this time more difficult for you." he took complete responsibility. He would have bowed to her and kissed the ground she walked on to make amends if she would have require it, but luckily for him Zeta turned around and smiled. Her gold eyes shining with tears that didn't fall.
"I know... I take myself to seriously, But..."
"That's ridiculous you are crown Princess of the Fire Nation you have to hold yourself with an ar of culture, class and...and..." Otka tripped to fid another word
"Nobility." Zeta finished for him.
"Yeah! Bingo!" he said giving her a thumbs up. Otka was quick to change the subject after that seeing how much stress it had caused his princess. "So what you got there?" he asked curiously as his head bobbled over her shoulders. Princess Zeta played keep away and clutched the scroll closer to her chest to keep the prying eyes out. Otka frowned, his head towering above hers, as she continued to walk with scroll close to her bodice. He then allowed her to get a few paces away and blew a wind gust under her feet and in between her legs and the wind blew the scroll right out of her hands and it sailed into Otka's.
"Otka!" she protested turning around with her mouth gaping. "What a dirty trick!"
"There are perks to being an airbender," he laughed as he began to open the scroll "ooh the legend of phoenix, hmm?"
"Yes," the princess stated while trying to snatch the scroll back, But the young airbender nimbly pulled it out of her reach and then taunted her with a smirk.
"You love this story," he shook his head.
"It's a good story," she insisted.
"Yeah it is. Kinda sad though," Kato thought.
"I think it's triumphanT," The princess said. "Even though they thought day destroyed her she rose again!" Zeta said and she couldn't help but point at her new amulet.
Otka took the bait easily. "Is that new?" he asked stepping closer.
Zeta nodded as she was trying to play shy. "Papa gave it to me this morning. The Phoenix pendant was warn by the first female ruler of the Fire Nation, Lady Sapphire... she was a great queen," Zeta said longingly.
"Well then it fits you." Otka had to agree. Then he heard one of the town gongs go off. "But come now future Fire Lady you don't want to be late for this war council meeting." Otka insisted as he grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her along as he began sprinting down the street.
"War Council meeting?" Zeta asked totally clueless.
"What meeting?"
"The one we are on are way to right now. Fire Lord Zuko asked my dad to come and he told me to meet him at the palace." Otka explained.
"My father probably doesn't want me there. The last time I was there I begged to e sent with the Yu Yan," Zeta laughed.
"Oh nonsense. You're the future Leader of the Fire Nation you have to be there! Now let us away your majesty!" The young airbender cried as he pulled her down the street've got the wrong idea. No thinks you let the criminal escape..."
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