Music Playing: Relaxing, romantic , sensual, instrumental music / Witch Hunter Robin Ost1 - Plot

Book 5 Water

Chapter 18 Unsettling Events

Sitting in his private office, the Fire Lord remain still in his chair as he watched the falling snow out of his window. Narrowing his eyes, Zuko recalled the first he witness such a sight.

Closing his eyes, Zuko sighed heavily brushing aside the past of his darker days as a banished prince.

Resting his head back against the chair, Zuko's mind continued to drift on and off, remembering his terrible nightmares for the past couple of nights.

The sight of his wife, the fierce woman he fell in love with was seen bathed in blood lying motionless in the freezing snow. The scene caused him deep pain in his chest at the thought of Katara getting injured or worse dying in such a state.

When he heard she would not only be leaving the palace but journey back to her homeland. That recurring sight of bright red colored snow with a mangled body of the waterbender would fill his mind.

He wanted to deny her request, in some way prevent that possible outcome to never happen.

But he knew Katara needed to return to her people and say her final goodbyes to her grandmother.

Opening his eyes, Zuko then glared coldly at the delicate falling snow outside. Turning to the glass of wine on his desk, Zuko picked up the frail thin glass and sipped lightly on the blush red alcoholic beverage.

He knew he shouldn't let such concerns make him so emotionally distressed. He had more important things to worry about.

Placing the wine down, Zuko stood up straight and walked over to a shelf of documents. He recalled a few days ago, General Jee mentioned something about a private meeting that Imperial Ryuan required with his uncle. Having this known, cause Zuko to be both suspicious and outrage that anyone would keep classified information from him. He had to learn it the hard way when Lieutenant Huo betrayed him.

Besides…It mattered not, how small or insignificant the information might be. He demanded every document of paperwork and reports be notified to him directly.

Pinching the bridge of his nose in between his closed eyes, Zuko sighed. Six and a half years of ruling his nation and still so much needs to be fixed. Possible outbreaks have threatened his kingdom and he has ordered only limited supplies to be imported to reduce any possible chance of contaminated. His people, more notably the merchants have been moderately upset over the restricted arrangement.

The advisor under Zuko's obligation of the Royal guard suggested they reconsider local trades rather than international manufacturing for their businesses. It was a tough assessment that would probably cause many of their profits to decrease to nearly twenty percent of sale and marketing. But it had to be done until the epidemic was under control.

Zuko turned to the side as he gazed down at the stacks of paperwork on his desk. He was in no mood to deal with the signatures and reports. The Fire Lord felt emotionally and physically drained as he stepped over to the table.

Covering his forehead, Zuko tried to shake out of the dreary state and focus on his duties.

But it couldn't be done. Taking a step forward, the man slowly made his way to his bedchamber and sat on the edge of his bed.

Why? Why did he feel so weak and tired? Languidly, Zuko turned his head towards the window where the snow continued to fall.

Was it the lack of the warm sun that caused him to feel so fatigued? He recalled how the blizzard in the Northern Water Tribe cause his stamina to dropped to very low levels as he struggled to capture the Avatar all those years ago.

Is it possible even such a change in weather cause his body to weaken?

No…It can't be. The Fire Lord thought to himself as he knew how adaptable his body was to extreme changes in both climate and environment.

Putting all the strength Zuko could muster; he pushed himself off the bed and walked over to the door. Starting to pant from the grueling pain in his joints, Zuko fought back the uncomfortable feeling before opening the door and entering into the royal hallway.

The scene backed away drifting to the sight of the vast red hall ahead while torches flickered brightly lighting up the way.

Play music: Relaxing, romantic , sensual, instrumental music

The sight of blurred orbs of light with different forms of people came into view as the scene then zoomed out to a woman twirling in a red dress with dark skin and rich brown locks.

By her side was a tall and handsome man in a royal suit with molten golden eyes and ink black hair. The couple was seen dancing in the center of polished floor as their forms reflected against the smooth surface.

The feeling was overwhelmingly magical as the woman smiled warmly. Her feet felt light as a feather as she gracefully stepped along the floor, twirling around and around in a fluid motion. The sight then shifted to flashes of a golden cup in the hands of the beautiful dark skinned woman as she was seen drinking the contents of a creamy chocolate full with hot chili spice.

It tingled the woman's lips as it felt like a strong kick that jerked her up. Expressing a surprised yet happy feature across her face, the woman gladly handed the cup to her new husband. The scene then showed a group of beloved friends laughing and cheering together as the sight then focused on the woman as she enjoyed the carefree feeling in her heart. Close by she felt the warm hand of the tall man holding her hand affectionately. The woman smiled as she then felt her head spinning.

The bright and warm atmosphere with the sound of music and people celebrating brought joy to the woman as she nuzzled against the man next to her. The scene then turned to a table covered with decorative trays and bowls. The splendid, flavorful tastes of all the different and exotic foods before the woman caused such pleasures in her mind and tongue. She almost couldn't contain the wonderful sensations as she ate around the table with her loved ones.

A heat swelled inside the woman as her heart raced and eyes dilated. The experience was flooding over her before she realized she wasn't in the ballroom or the dining hall. The room was dark with glimpses of dimmed light surrounding her. A loud rustle of silk meshing with skin and low pants filled her ears as she then saw the man she loved, the man she just married on top of her. Desire and passion was driving her nearly off the edge as she begged for me. The woman didn't know what was happening nor did she care. All she wanted was more. More of the man in front of her, and she panted and moaned while she felt his hot mouth on her neck.

Reality then hit her as the man pulled away and looked at her.

His eyes were filled with a deep emotion as he then slowly leaned into her. The movements were softer, tender than his previous aggressive actions towards her only moments before. Katara then relaxed as she melted against the man's touch. The man then spoke out in a husky tone as he called her name with such an affectionate sound, she nearly gasped.

"Katara…"

The woman then moaned out trying to respond back as the velvety sensations of warmth surrounded her.

Her name was called again, but with a sterner tone. It somehow confused Katara as she felt like she was in a daze. Katara then gasped out as she suddenly opened her eyes after hearing a loud shout that woke her up.

"What is it?!" the woman called out as a rush of cool air was felt over her face and bare arms.

"I'm sorry, but you need to get up." A voice said as Katara blinked for a moment while her eyes adjusted to the radiant sun light shining in her face. "Alright…" Katara said slightly displeased that the vision she was experiencing was simply a dream.

Rubbing her eyes, Katara whined out as she sat up from her cot. It was hard to believe that she dreamt of her wedding. Yet maybe, it wasn't such a surprise, the event itself felt like a dream to her anyways. All those years ago…It hard to comprehend at times.

The experience was so amazing; the waterbender knew she will never forget that wonderful night along with the birth of her beloved children who she cherished so much. Clearing her throat, the woman then stood up and got dressed as she tried to ignore the growing effects of being homesick.

Turning her attention to the doorway of a bamboo flap leading outside, Katara then remembered that she has more critical matters to attend too. Stepping out of the hut, Katara shield her eyes from the bright rays beaming down at her as a soft breeze flowed by swaying her long locks of hair. The smell of salt filled the air as Katara made her way to the separate hut across the sandy camp ground.

Entering into the small dwelling, Katara stepped in and bowed. "I'm sorry to intrude, but I wanted to check how sir Pein was doing." Katara said as the native woman of the island nodded. "He is doing much better." The woman said with a small smile.

Katara lifted her head as her features expressed an appearance of relief. "Thank goodness." The waterbender said under her breathe as a guard entered into the room.

"My Lady, we have gathered the needed supplies to make the rest of the journey to the Southern Territories." The man said as Katara turned to him and nodded with approval.

"That is good to hear, were the villagers pleased with the trade?" Katara asked as the man bowed his head before speaking, "Yes, they greatly appreciated the produce and items Lord Zuko as offered." The man said as Katara smiled faintly.

Katara believed that no matter where you are in the world. If you need something such as supplies for an extended journey. You must always have something of equal value to offer and trade with another village. It was a custom of her people during hard seasons in the polar lands. The Water Tribe will often worked together and share whatever they could to supply for families when their men were off at war. During Katara's travels with Aang and her brother, she soon realized it didn't work well in some places such as the Earth Kingdom, where currency was the legal regulation to exchange items.

So her only alternative was to bargain or work hard for what she was able to get in order to survive. She never wasted a single thing she bought or caught. Everything was used, even recycled.

Now with her rank as a queen, Katara did her best to develop a reasonable act for her people's custom to become the standard in almost every place in the world. The proposition was still in process, but many of the nations agreed with the new law. Such provisions have improved villages to join together and provide more methods in building a better system of trade and trust with one another. Katara was very pleased that the Hing Wa villagers approved of the trade as well.

Turning back to the guard, she allowed him to continue with any other information. "Commander Wei has advised we continue to the Southern Water Tribe and leave Sergeant Pein of the division of General Jee to stay here on Hing Wa Island." The guard said as Katara narrowed her eyes.

She was afraid it would come to this…Even though she knew the man was healing well, he was still in no condition to travel over seas. Yet she couldn't leave him behind, it didn't feel right. Closing her eyes, Katara took a moment to think it through.

Waiting for his lady to answer, the guard spoke out with concern. "My Lady…?" the man said as Katara then opened her eyes and looked at the man with a stern expression. "I'll talk to my father, Chief Hakoda about this. Please report back to Commander Wei that the decision is not final." Katara said as the guard bowed deeply and left the hut.

Katara then turned to the woman as she gazed down at the sleeping man. "Please continue to do your best in healing him. I can't bear to leave without him." Katara said with a worried tone as the woman nodded her head with understanding. Katara then stepped out of the hut and went to find her father.

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Play music: Witch Hunter Robin Ost1 - Plot

Step after step, Aang drew closer to the clearing of the realm of the Golden Dragon.

The young man took a deep breathe before finally entering into the bright green meadow with flowing trees of cherry blossoms. Everything looked like the beautiful landscape that Aang memorized, yet in the back of his mind he knew it was an illusion.

As Aang walked along the grassy plains, he came across the riverbed where the sight of the woman was seen. Sitting underneath a sakura tree, the woman's form was the appearance of the beautiful hime, Aang remembered.

"You returned…" the woman said in a low tone as an unfelt breeze went by swaying the woman's long black hair.

"Yes." Aang said curtly as he kept his guard up.

The woman's head turned slightly, her long bangs covered her eyes while her face remained emotionless. "Why do you continue to come back? Do you seek death that badly?" the woman said coolly as Aang held back any shock from the woman's cold remark.

"I have come here for only one purpose, to save the lost souls. I was told only you know how to do it, how to free them." Aang said in a stern tone while the woman continued to display a blank appearance.

"Lost souls you say?" the woman said with slight interest.

"Tell me. What do you know of those lost souls?" the woman asked as Aang blinked.

What he knows about them? Aren't they the souls of his beloved people? Souls that are trapped?

Filled with both frustration and anger, Aang cried out, "They are souls blocked between time and space! They can't pass on into paradise!" Aang nearly shouted out as the woman then expressed a small smile.

"They are the remains of what was…They are nothing but empty vessels of their former existence." The woman said as Aang nearly gasped.

"W-What do you mean?" Aang said shocked what the spirit was telling him.

The woman then lifted her head, revealing her eyes that appeared cold and dark. "They are simply creatures with no meaning. They have no memories of their lives, any basic essence as individuals. Don't you understand? It is pointless to save something that really doesn't matter." The woman said with a sneer across her face.

Aang lowered his head as he clenched his hands into fist, "No."

The woman's smile faded, "What?"

"No…What you are saying…Can't be true." Aang said with a pause before speaking again as he lifted his head up. His eyes glistened as he spoke out, "I saw them…I saw them with my own eyes. I heard their cries. They were in pain. They sounded like they were sad and lonely. They still exist!" Aang cried out as his hands clenched tighter.

"I see…" the woman said as her hair swayed more violently in the unfelt wind as strands of her black silk locks crossed her face.

"Then I have no choice, young Avatar…" the woman said as she stood up slowly.

"But to stop you." The woman said in a threatening tone as her layered kimonos felt from her shoulders revealing a shimmering armor of gold.

Next thing, Aang saw from the breath-taking sight was the woman's quick transformation. The woman's beauty faded into a beast like appearance as the eyes glowed red. A low growl escaped her snarling lips as large wings sprouted from her back and fanned out behind her form.

Aang took a step back as he narrowed his eyes while forming into a defensive stance. The woman then cried out a wicked laugh as the skinned wings took flight into the air. Aang grinded his teeth as he prepared for the attack.

The scene then zoomed in towards Aang's form lastly showing his gray eyes widening and contacting greatly. A loud scream was heard as the sight of a single petal of the sakura blossom landed on the alter landscape of murky dead grass below.

An unsettling feeling crossed over the area as Katara entered into the camping ground. Something didn't feel right with her as she looked around the village. Where were the villagers? Walking along the white sand, Katara listened to the wind as a breeze tossed her hair back and forth against its current.

Slowing down to pacing steps, Katara narrowed her eyes as she decided to continue back to her lounging area. Taking one step onward, a sudden rush took her over. A hand clasped behind her mouth pulling her back. Muffling out, Katara tried to escape as she struggled in the strong arms of her captor.

A thick scent filled her mouth as inhaled the strange toxin. Realizing what was happening, Katara tried to hold her breath as she wiggled further against the stranger. But it was too much for the woman to take before passing out in the man's arms. -- A blurred scene came into sight as Katara tried to adjust her eyes.

The view came into focus as she noticed she was inside a metal room. Looking further, she realized it was a cell. More accurately, she was inside a ship. But she knew it was not her husband's fleet. The metal was rusted and weak in construction along with a distinctive smell of rotting fish and smoke. Slowly standing up from the cold ground, Katara braced herself along the wall. She had to figure out a way to get out. Feeling the metal frame, the waterbender tried to feel for any reliable source of water near by.

She couldn't feel any trace…Not even the ocean waves below were close enough for her to grasp.

Groaning slightly, the woman then sat down against the wall. She would just have to wait until someone came to her. Only then, did she know what she would have to do, even if it went against her morals as a bender. Closing her eyes as she rested her head on her knees, Katara patiently waited in dark of her cell for the right moment to strike. The scene drifted from the sight doorway outward through the walls and over the view of the ship. The vessel was then seen sailing away from Hing Wa Island into the open horizon. The scene then focused in on the flapping banner on top of the tower.

It was a black flag with the symbol of a silver lotus.

Dun-dun-dun! Katara has been captured by the Black Lotus Society! How will Katara escape? What happened to Aang? Stay tune and find out more next chapter! Please review!!!