Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Traditions of the Heart ❯ Day at the Spa ( Chapter 4 )

I do not own Avatar the last air bender.

 

 

At ten sharp Katara heard a knock on her door.

 

“Are you girls ready to have some fun?” Katara said loudly with a huge grin as she opened the door. He expression faltered when she saw Toph leaning up against a column snoring and Aihe trying to wake her up.

 

“I am but this one may need a cup of tea.” Aihe said giving up on being subtle and pushing Toph gently so she fell on the ground. Toph jumped up and glared at Aihe who patted her head.

 

“Well now that you're awake lets get going. We can get you some tea at the spa.” Katara said closing her door behind her. The three girls walked out of the palace and into the palace town. Aihe couldn't stop looking around since she had never seen a Fire Nation town before.

 

“It's actually quite nice here.” Aihe said cheerfully.

 

“Yeah, it is. Look there's the spa.” Katara said then pointed to the building in front of them. They looked at each other and then made their way to the spa. An old woman greeted them as they entered.

 

“Welcome to the Glowing Ember Spa. Do you have an appointment?” The old lady asked kindly and bowed.

 

“We don't have an appointment.” Katara said suddenly looking nervous. She looked over to Toph and Aihe who both gave her little shrugs.

 

“I'm sorry but you can't be seen without an appointment. If you make one today, we would love to have you come back tomorrow.” The old lady said stilling bowing. Toph made a move forward but Aihe stopped her. It was obvious Toph was about to play the Bei Fong family name but Aihe didn't think it would work.

 

“Unfortunately we won't be here tomorrow. We are guests of General Iroh and Fire Lord Zuko…” Katara began to explain when the old woman's head shot up.

 

“Guests of the Fire Lord? Why didn't you say so? Please right this way.” The old lady said gesturing down the hall. The girls smiled at each other and followed the old lady. The first room they were led to was the changing room. It was decorated in mural walls and a small fountain stood in the corner. The old lady handed them each a robe to change into. As they removed their clothes Katara couldn't help but notice the necklace around Aihe's neck. It had been hidden under her shirt but now in plain view.

 

“I like your necklace Aihe.” Katara said politely. Aihe finished undressing and pulled her robe on before she answered.

 

“It was my mothers. My father's best friend gave it to her on her wedding day. My parents died in the war and this is one of the few things I have left to remind me of home.” Aihe said holding it out in front of her for Katara to see it better.

 

“I'm sorry. I lost my mother during the war and my necklace is all I have too.” Katara said sadly as she moved closer to look at Aihe's necklace. Katara didn't have to move far because the chain was long. At the end of the chain was an oval pendant elaborately decorated and in the center was a key hole.

 

Katara gave Aihe a confused look so Aihe explained “It's a locket but the key has been lost for years. I've never seen it open, but my mother told me one day I would find the key and that inside the locket I would find my past and my future.”

 

“That's deep.” Toph said “Of course I've heard this story before but it sounds better every time you tell it.”

 

“I used to believe it but after spending years searching for the key with no real clues, I've given up.” Aihe said looking at the locket after Katara handed it back to her. She let it fall against her chest.

 

“My Gran Gran always used to tell me that when you look for something you may not find it but when you stop looking it will find you.” Katara said.

 

“Makes sense and maybe the key will find me but I'm not holding my breath.” Aihe said smiling. “For now I am ready to be pampered” and with that she led the way out of the room and down the hall. Katara and Aihe went to the room where they had pedicures and manicures done. Toph only stuck around for the manicure but refused to have her feet touched. Katara was glad not to see an encore of the Ba Sing Se spa incident. When their feet and hands were well scrubbed and massaged the girl slid into mud bath. The tub was big enough to hold them and several more people but since no one else was there they each took a side.

 

“This is great. I'm so glad you invited me.” Aihe said sighing.

 

“We should get makeovers done.” Toph said as she made ships out of the mud and sailed them around the large tub. Aihe grinned evilly as she used the water in the mud to create a squid tentacle and attacked the ships.

 

“Hey you sunk my battle ship.” Toph jokingly pouted before making another. The girls laughed until their sides hurt as Toph and Aihe continued their miniature maritime battle.

 

“Yeah, that's a great idea Toph. Then we can go shopping for new dresses.” Katara said excitedly after she calmed down.

 

“Then Toph can show off her hot new look for Sokka.” Aihe giggled. Toph blushed bright red and Katara laughed again.

 

“Hey Sokka has a girlfriend. I'm not a guy thief.” Toph said crossing her arms.

 

“Actually Suki and Sokka broke up almost six months ago.” Katara said plainly starting to play with the mud too. Toph's eyes went wide.

 

“What happened? I thought they would be married by now.” Toph said

 

“Distance happened. It was just too much on the relationship. She wanted him to move to Kyoshi and he wanted her to move to Ba Sing Se. Eventually they gave up trying to move each other. I think he still hopes she'll change her mind but between you and me, she's seeing somebody else.” Katara said.

 

“That sucks for Sokka.” Toph said sadly.

 

“But not for you.” Aihe laughed. Toph glared daggers but Katara didn't seem to notice.

 

“He's doing ok and they are still good friends. Don't let it hold you back Toph.” Katara said winking. Toph blushed again. They continued to sit the mud for a few minutes more before Aihe spoke up.

 

“Ok I'm ready for the steam room how about you girls?” Aihe said getting out the mud.

 

“Right behind you.” Toph said as she and Katara got out of the tub.

The girls spent a good portion of two hours at the spa before going shopping around town. When they found the perfect dress shop it took them another hour to try everything on. They left the shop in their new dresses and feeling oh so pretty. Katara had picked out a blue dress with wave patterns on the bottom. Toph chose a lavender dress with tiny flowers on it. Aihe decided to be daring and went for the luscious red dress with a single dragon embroidered on the cuff of the left sleeve. As they continued to shop young men stared at the trio. They even managed to make one unlucky man run into the pole of a merchants stall. They were joking and laughing about girlish things as they rounded a corner when Katara stopped and put her hand on Toph's shoulder, stopping Aihe as well.

 

“It's Mai.” Katara said pointing to a woman standing in front of a stall of fruits.

 

“That's the Fire Lord's ex-girlfriend?” Aihe asked. Katara nodded. Aihe made a motion as to say if to say “What ever floats your boat.”

“What's the matter? I'm sure she's not going to throw knives at us.” Toph said starting to walk forward again but Katara stopped her again. As soon as Toph stopped, Katara and Aihe saw a man walk up to Mai and kiss her deeply.

 

“She moves fast doesn't she?” Katara whispered.

 

“What? What's going on?” Toph asked.

 

“How long has it been since the break up?” Aihe asked remembering her conversation last night with Zuko.

 

“Three weeks.” Katara said giving Aihe a sad look.

 

“Ouch. Good thing Fire Lord Zuko isn't here to see this.” Aihe said feeling bad for him.

 

“You had to say that, didn't you?” Toph said. Aihe and Katara just looked at her confused. “Cause Zuko's about to get a good view.” Aihe and Katara both turned their attention back to where Mai and the man were to see Zuko and a single guardsmen walk out of the store right next to the fruit stand.

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“Mai?!” Zuko said surprised to see his very recent ex-girlfriend in the arms of another man.

 

“Hello, Zuko.” Mai said trying to sound calm. “Uh, this is…” she started to say before the man interrupted her.

 

“I'm Yo, Mai's boyfriend. It is an honor to meet you Lord Zuko.” Yo said bowing respectfully while Mai glared at him for interrupting her. Zuko wore a look of hurt, confusion, and anger.

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Aihe looked over at Katara who gulped.

 

“He is either going to start a fight or make himself look foolish. What do we do?” Katara whispered.

 

“I've got an idea.” Toph said crossing her arms. Aihe looked at Toph and suddenly felt like running.

 

“I have a feeling I'm not going to like this.” Aihe said raising an eyebrow.

 

“Aihe, I'm ordering you to go pretend to be Zuko's girl. He's embarrassed and angry because she's with another guy so we need to turn the tables on her.” Toph said confidently. Aihe was about to protest when Toph spoke again. “We can't go because she knows our faces, besides you're getting paid for this. So get a move on”

 

“Fine, you could have just asked.” Aihe sighed. Toph smiled triumphantly. Aihe fixed her hair quickly then grabbed an apple she had bought out of her bag and made her way over to Zuko.

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When she finally got close enough to make herself known he was trying to make small talk but failing miserably and looking foolish.

 

“Zuko! There you are.” Aihe said cheerfully. Everyone looked at her and she got the urge to run again. `I'm going to get Toph back for this' Aihe thought as she smiled brightly walking over to Zuko and putting a hand on his forearm. At first Zuko was shocked and flustered by Aihe's sudden informal behavior causing him to blush and his eyes to widen. `What is she doing?!' Zuko thought frantically.

 

“I got you that apple you wanted.” Aihe said winking at him and hoping he got that she was trying to save him from himself. It took him a second to realize what was going on and he smiled when he understood.

 

“Thank you Aihe.” Zuko said as he took the apple she was offering him. “Mai. Yo, this is Aihe.” Aihe bowed and they bowed back but Mai never took her eyes off Aihe which made her feel like a flopping fish out of water right in front of a Lizard Lion. A very hungry Lizard Lion.

 

“Nice dress.” Mai said sarcastically.

 

“Thank you.” Aihe said catching the sarcasm but ignoring it. Instead she tried to think of something to say to help get both her and Zuko out of the situation. “Zuko bought it for me.” She wanted to kick herself for saying it but it was out and all she could do was pretend she meant it by pulling on the skirt to show off the fabric. Zuko decided to run with the comment and slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close making Aihe blush even as she tried to act like it was nothing new. `AHH! I did not sign up for this, even if I am getting paid. Oh great now I feel dirty. Toph you are so dead when I get my hands on you.' Aihe thought. Aihe swore she could hear the two girls down the street laughing at her.

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Katara and Toph couldn't help but laugh at the scene in front of them.

 

“Oh this is too good. She is going to be so mad at me, but this is worth it.” Toph said looking like a crazy person.

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“I couldn't help myself. I knew you would look beautiful in it.” Zuko said giving Aihe a heart melting smile. This only made Aihe more anxious to run and cause trauma to her friend/boss.

 

“It is pretty on you, Miss Aihe.” Yo said earning him an elbow in the ribs. Yo just mouthed, what, to Mai as she glared at him.

 

“We have to get going. It was good to see you Lord Zuko.” Mai said bowing to Zuko and grabbing Yo's arm to pull him away. “I hope you enjoy it here Aihe and maybe we will meet again.”

 

`I really hope not.' Aihe thought to herself. “Nice meeting you both.” Aihe said sweetly, bowing slightly.

 

“Good day to you, Lord Zuko.” Yo bowed deeply and Zuko lowered his head in response. Mai then practically dragged Yo down the street. As soon as Mai and Yo were out of sight Zuko released Aihe who let out a sigh of relief.

 

“Before you say anything, I was under direct orders from Toph. This was not my idea.” Aihe said crossing her arms in front of her chest regaining her composure.

 

“I figured.” Zuko said with a tiny smile. Katara and Toph had just arrived behind Aihe and he turned his attention to them. “There's the master mind. You know Toph you could have just dragged me away for some sort of meeting. It might have been more comfortable for everyone involved.”

 

“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. My plan worked didn't it?” Toph asked waving it off. Zuko shook his head and sighed at the young woman.

 

“Sorry to interrupt but can we go back to the palace now? I don't know about you but I am hungry.” Aihe said holding her poor empty stomach.

 

“We could eat at one of the restaurants around here.” Katara offered but Zuko shook his head before saying, “No, we should all return to the palace. We will eat and you should all start packing. The ship leaves at five sharp and I don't want any one to be late.”

 

“Ok so where's your ride.” Toph said looking around.

 

“I don't use one, I prefer to walk.” Zuko said plainly and started walking back towards that palace with his guard behind him. The girls didn't argue and followed after him.

 

Sokka and Aang were playing with Momo when the girls returned. Aang nearly fell over when he saw Katara but when he recovered he rushed to her side and took her hand.

 

“Wow you look beautiful.” Aang gushed making Katara giggle. Aang took Katara in his arms and hugged her close before leaning down to kiss her gently. Aihe and Toph sighed “aww” at the same time bring the couple back to reality and making them blush. Zuko and Sokka both look at each other with the same slightly disgusted face.

 

“I think we should leave the love birds alone. Any cuter and I may lose my appetite.” Sokka said rubbing his forehead. “Come on Momo.” Just as Momo landed on Sokka's shoulder Aihe noticed him for the first time.

 

“Speaking of cute what is that.” Aihe said pointing to Momo. Aang laughed still holding on to Katara tightly.

 

“That's Momo. Our flying lemur.” Aang said

 

“Momo? Geez even the name is cute. May I pet him?” Aihe asked moving closer to Sokka.

“Sure” Sokka said taking Momo off his shoulder and holding him under his arms toward Aihe. She scratched under Momo's chin which made him purr.

 

“Ok I officially adore this little guy” Aihe said scratching him on the top of his head before putting her hands at her side. Everyone laughed when Momo grabbed her hand and put it on top of his head expecting more scratches.

 

“He obviously likes you too.” Katara giggled as Aihe resumed petting him. A maid entered the garden and bowed to Zuko as everyone's attention was drawn to her.

 

“Lord Zuko, your uncle sent me to tell you that lunch is getting cold and that he is waiting for your arrival.” The maid said.

 

“Thank you. We are on our way there now.” Zuko said. The maid bowed again and left.

“Let's go eat.” Zuko said heading in the direction of the dining hall.

 

“Bye Momo” Aihe said as she left to follow Zuko. Aang and Katara followed after her walking hand in hand.

 

“I'm going to put Momo back in the room, Toph. Tell them I'll be there soon.” Sokka said turning to Toph who was the only other person left in the garden.

 

“Ok” Toph said starting to walk in the direction everyone had left.

 

“Hey, Toph.” Sokka said stopping her before she left.

 

“You look pretty today.” Sokka said quickly then added “Because you went to the spa and I just thought you should know.”

 

Toph smiled and said, “Thank you, Sokka” before leaving the garden. Sokka just looked at Momo who chirped at him.

 

“Yeah, I know.” Sokka said then headed to his room.

 

Ok so here it is Chapter 4. I was planning on making it longer but then I got some good ideas that would make this chapter too long so I have to make them in chapter five. Thank you for reading and feel free to give me suggestions. Thanks.