Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Traditions of the Heart ❯ The Ember Sun ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the last air bender.

 

 

After an amusing lunch where the girls recounted their morning to Iroh, Aang and Sokka, who found the Mai situation rather hilarious, they had all split up to start packing. Katara had just put her last piece of clothing into her bag when she heard a knock on the door.

 

“Come in.” Katara said turning to see who would walk through the door. She was not surprised when Aang poked his head into the room after opening the door. When he found her he gave her a big cheesy grin.

 

“Hey. Are you all done packing?” Aang asked walking into the room.

 

“Yep, I just finished.” Katara said closing the bag. Aang walked up behind Katara and put his arms around he waist. She giggled as he moved her hair away from her neck and kissed the back of it.

 

“Katara, I was thinking about the trip a lot today and it's made me realize something.” Aang said putting his head on Katara's left shoulder. Katara patted his head and asked, “What have you realized?”

 

“How lucky I am to have you and that you've worn your mother's necklace too long.” Aang whispered into her ear. Katara spun around in his arms and gave him a look of confusion.

 

“What do you mean?” Katara said touching her necklace. Aang smiled at her lovingly before kissing her forehead.

 

“I mean that it's time you replaced it with something a little newer.” Aang said spinning her around so she faced away from him again. Aang then unlatched her mother's necklace and slid it off her neck. Katara was about to turn around to protest but Aang held her in place. When he was sure she would stay still he put her necklace into his robes. Katara wasn't sure what he was doing though part of her thought she did. When she felt a necklace slid around her neck she immediately touched it. It wasn't her mothers. Aang spun Katara around to face him.

“Katara, I have loved you since the moment I saw you. You are my whole world and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you….” Aang paused trying to remember the speech he had prepared and practiced for two months in front of the mirror or any shiny object. Katara put her hand on his cheek and smiled as tears welled in her eyes.

 

“I would do anything for you too.” Katara said before she kissed Aang gently.

 

“Then there's something I need you to do for me right now.” Aang said after he pulled away from their kiss, his speech lost in the moment. Katara looked up into his grey eyes expectantly. “Say you'll marry me.” Katara couldn't hold back her tears any longer as they streamed down her face. She smiled so brightly, Aang thought she could out shine the sun.

 

“YES! YES I'LL MARRY YOU!” Katara shouted excitedly. Aang picked her up and spun her around making her giggle. When he put her down they kissed deeply and passionately. They only stopped when they needed air and put there foreheads together.

 

“Oh, Aang, I love you.” Katara said beaming up at her fiancé.

 

“I love you too, Katara.” Aang said before they started kissing again. They were so wrapped up in their happiness that they didn't notice Sokka walk into the room and vis versa.

 

“Hey, Katara. It's time to load the ship. Zuko is already on the ship and threatening to leave without us.” Sokka said as he entered the room. He was used to coming upon his sister and Aang kissing so it didn't faze him at all. But his sudden appearance made the two love birds jump a foot into the air.

 

“What?” Sokka asked calmly. “Let's go.” Sokka walked out of the room leaving Katara and Aang still holding onto each other. Katara and Aang shared one more kiss before leaving the room.

 

The Ember Sun left port a half an hour later then Zuko wanted because the crew wanted to put Appa in a holding pen below decks but Appa had other plans. Aang arrived with Katara to find Zuko yelling at the crew and Iroh trying to calm everyone down. Sokka tried to coax the large bison into the ship. The ship had been specially built for Zuko who asked for it to be able to open in the front allowing large objects to be put on board, mainly Appa. Eventually Appa was put on the spacious deck after the crew gave up and Iroh had forced Zuko to his quarters. Now Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Iroh, and Aihe were on the deck watching as the Fire Nation disappeared into the distance.

 

“What a day.” Aihe said leaning on the railing of the ship.

 

“Yeah, it was a great day.” Aang said looking dreamily at Katara. No one had noticed the change of necklaces so Aang decided that after dinner he would make the announcement.

 

“I wouldn't say it was great but it wasn't all together bad.” Aihe said standing up straight. Iroh smiled at her which she caught out of the corner of her eye and smiled back. Iroh was about to say something when a crewman approached them.

 

“Excuse me, dinner is ready.” The crewman said as he bowed to the group and then left.

 

“Well then I will go get Zuko and join you in the mess hall.” Iroh said putting his hands in his sleeves and leaving.

 

“May I escort you, pretty lady, to dinner?” Aang said bowing to Katara and offering her his hand.

 

“Yes you may.” Katara said as she bowed back and took Aang's hand. The two left for dinner holding hands. Sokka decided to be a gentleman and ask both Toph and Aihe to dinner.

 

“May I escort you pretty ladies to dinner.” Sokka said copying Aang but instead offering them each an arm.

 

“We would be delighted to have you escort us.” Toph said sweetly as she took Sokka's arm followed by Aihe who did the same. They walked this way all the way into the mess hall. There they found Aang and Katara sitting at the head table with Iroh and Zuko.

 

“Well you're quite the ladies man, Sokka. I don't think even in my youth was I able to have two girls on my arm at the same time.” Iroh said chuckling. Sokka smiled brightly.

 

“What can I say they can't resist me.” Sokka said with a cheesy grin. Aihe rolled her eyes and Toph punched him playfully in the arm. Aihe was the first to let go of Sokka's arm and she took a seat next to Iroh.

 

“He only escorted both of us because you left me behind.” Aihe playfully pouted leaning towards Iroh. Iroh blushed and smiled while Zuko glared at him.

 

“I'm so sorry Aihe. Next time I will be sure to take you with me, that way I won't miss out on escorting such a pretty lady.” Iroh said smiling brightly at Aihe who returned the smile.

 

“Ugh. You do realize you're old enough to be her father.” Zuko protested.

 

“You're just jealous that she asked me to escort her rather than you.” Iroh said sticking his tongue out at his nephew. Zuko snorted and leaned his back against the wall. Aihe and Iroh laughed and started talking about tea. It turned out that Aihe loved tea and was quite learned on the subject. Toph and Sokka had sat down after Aihe and were talking to Katara and Aang. Zuko just busied himself with his food and shot glances periodically at his uncle and Aihe.

 

After dinner and before any one could leave the hall Aang got the tables attention. “Hey guys, would you all mind meeting for a minute on the deck. I've got an announcement.”

 

“Sure Twinkle Toes.” Toph said before finishing off her wine.

 

“In that case why don't we head up there now?” Zuko asked standing up. The rest of the group followed suit. As they left a servant put cloaks on Zuko and Iroh while the others made their way through the ship.

 

When they reached the deck it was dark except for the light from the few torches perched sparsely around the deck as the moon was not out. The wind had picked up making it bitingly chilly. It didn't seem to bother any body at first but as they walked further away from where any one could ease drop Aihe began to shiver which Zuko noticed immediately.

 

“You look cold. Here take my cloak.” Zuko said taking off his cloak and putting it around Aihe.

 

“Thank you Fire Lord Zuko. I thought the Fire Nation was supposed to be warm?” Aihe joked.

 

“We are in an area of ocean where the wind comes from the South Pole and that makes it cold.” Iroh explained and gave Zuko a look. Toph had also started to shiver so Iroh gave her his cloak to wear. The two girls then huddled close together. When they stopped walking they formed a circle which Zuko and Iroh breathed heat into the middle of.

 

“Ok I know it's cold but thank you for coming out here with me.” Aang said holding onto Katara to keep her warm. “I know that the purpose of this journey is to find Zuko a wife” Aang nodded in Zuko's direction. Zuko breathed out a lot more heat then Aihe expected and she had to use the cloak to shield herself from the temperature.

 

“Cool down hot stuff. I want to be toasty not baked.” Aihe joked with a small giggle as she lowered the cloak from her face. Zuko lowered the temperature and tried to hide his red cheeks. Iroh looked at Zuko out of the corner of his eyes while Aang shook his head and continued.

 

“I don't want to take the focus off that so I wanted to tell only you guys that Katara and I are engaged.” Aang said gazing softly at the woman snuggled tightly to his chest.

 

“That's great news Twinkle Toes. I'm so happy for you two.” Toph said excitedly.

 

“I knew your necklace was different” Sokka said pointing to Katara's neck. “It's about time.” He said crossing his arms over his chest.

 

“Congratulations.” Aihe and Zuko said cheerfully.

 

“This is a night for celebration.” Iroh said starting to dance. Aang put his hand up to stop the excitement.

 

“Well Katara and I have both agreed that we want to keep this low key until after Zuko has announced whom he intends to marry. If we are to travel without attracting a lot of attention besides that which I already bring then the world can't know until we are finished with the journey.” Aang said confidently. Iroh frowned.

 

“Well why not have a small celebration of just us when we reach the next town.” Toph suggested. Iroh started to smile at this idea.

 

“I don't see why not.” Aang said looking down at Katara for approval. When she nodded he said, “Ok then it's settled we will celebrate when we reach the next town.”

 

“YAY!” Iroh and Toph said in unison.

 

“For now we should all think about sleep.” Aihe said yawning. Everyone nodded in agreement and started back for the ship. Iroh stopped Zuko midway back to the ship but none of the other noticed as Iroh and Zuko made up the rear. “I hope we have separate rooms Toph because I really can't take you're snoring another night.” Aihe continued as they walked along.

 

“At least I don't coo like a baby when I sleep, Aihe.” Toph protested as they entered the ship. Zuko looked at Iroh curiously after watching the others leave.

 

“What's wrong uncle?” Zuko asked. Iroh put his hands on Zuko's shoulders and gave him a comforting smile.

 

“I wanted to make sure you are alright. I know that this has been hard on you. First you got your heart broken and now you must open it up so soon. I want you to know that I am very proud of you, no matter what your decision will be.” Iroh said.

 

“I know you are and I'm fine. We should get some sleep.” Zuko said giving Iroh a warm smile before leading him back inside the ship.

 

After breakfast the next day Zuko went on deck to soak up the sun. He found Katara and Aang sitting by Appa while he ate his breakfast of hay. Sokka was doing his morning exercises and practicing his swordsmanship. `I'll have to ask Sokka to duel later.' Zuko thought. Zuko tried to find Toph and Aihe but all he found was Toph leaning up against the railing taking a nap with Momo curled up in her lap. Zuko was about to go ask Sokka for that dual when a loud bang got everyone's attention. Toph shot straight up and asked, “What! Are we sinking?” still half asleep.

 

“No but it's time for you to wake up lazy. I may be getting fired when we get back but until then you're my charge, which means it's time for bending practice.” Aihe said pointing to the large metal crate she had two crew men carry for her.

 

“I'm on vacation.” Toph said shutting her eyes. The corner of Aihe's mouth lifted into a half smile as she got into a fighting stance and bended a ball of water up from the ocean below and right onto Toph. Toph jumped to her feet and glared daggers at Aihe.

 

“And now you're all wet.” Aihe said grinning evilly. “You can fight me if you want Toph but either way I will get you to practice.” Aihe lifted the lid on the crate which revealed it contained earth. She then got into a fighting stance once again as Toph bended the earth from inside the crate and the sparing began. Aihe used the ocean for her water and took the defensive stance by making herself an octopus. She either split the boulders Toph hurled at her or used the tentacles to shield from other projectiles. After about ten minutes of this she reversed the sides by doing away with the tentacles of water and creating a single water whip. She stopped blocking most of the boulders and instead dodged them while attacking directly at Toph. Soon the deck was filled with mud and both girls had to cement themselves to the metal floor to keep from slipping. This made it harder to fight and soon both sides surrendered. Zuko had watched the whole thing with amusement but now that it was finished he wanted his ship clean.

 

“You two are going to clean this up right?” Zuko said gesturing to the mess of mud, water, and earth covering a portion of the deck. Aihe and Toph nodded before Aihe bended all the water back into the ocean and Toph bended the earth back into the crate.

“Thank you” Zuko said as he turned to Sokka and they began the duel they had agreed to during Aihe and Toph's sparing.

 

The rest of the day was uneventful and they still had one more day before they would reach the Earth Kingdom. As Aihe laid soundly asleep in her bed she began to dream.

 

The wind blew through the tall grass that grew almost as tall as she was. Aihe sat staring out at the ocean wondering what the rest of the world looked like when a sweet familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts.

 

“Aihe. Where have you run off to, Aihe.” Aihe looked in the direction of the voice.

 

“I'm over here Mom.” Aihe yelled back. Her mother appeared over a bank of sand. Tall and slender her mother was the envy of all women in the tribe but her heart only belong to Aihe's father much to the despise of the other men. As Aihe's mother came closer Aihe smiled to see the locket hanging from her neck. It was a symbol of her parent's undying love for each other and Aihe hoped that one day she would wear one like it.

 

“There you are. Everyone's waiting for you.” Aihe's mother said “Most ten year olds would have already tried three times to peek at their present but my little koala otter day dreams by the ocean.” Her mother giggled as Aihe gave her a big cheesy grin.

 

“I was just wondering what it would be like to explore the world.” Aihe said looking out at the ocean again. Her mother sat down next to her on the sand before scooping her daughter up to place her on her lap. “I'm going to one day.”

 

“I'm sure you will.” Her mother kissed her forehead. “Before we go back I have a gift for you.” Aihe's eyes widen with joy.

 

“What is it Mom?” Aihe asked excitedly.

 

“I was going to wait until you were 16 to give you this but I think you will take good care of it. Now close your eyes and hold out your hand.” Her mother said. Aihe obeyed happily and she held her breath waiting for her gift to appear in her hand. When it did her eyes flew open but she didn't understand what she saw. The locket, her mother's locket, had been carefully placed in her hand. Aihe looked up at her mother for an explanation at which her mother smiled warmly. “I want you to have my locket and where it always. It holds your past and your future inside it and when you are old enough you will embark on a journey to find the key and open it.” Aihe raised her eyebrow making her mother laugh.

 

“Seriously Mom.” Aihe said knowing her mother to make up stories.

 

“Seriously, Aihe. You will understand the day you find the key.” Her mother said with an expression Aihe could not read.

 

“Why can't you just tell me?” Aihe asked still holding the locket in her palm.

 

“Because it is a secret.” Her mother said playfully flicking Aihe's noise. Aihe giggled and decided to not ask any more questions save one.

 

“Ok but you and Dad will be there to help me find the key right?” Aihe asked smiling up at her mother but the look on her mother's face took the smile away. Her mother's face was sad and pained but Aihe couldn't understand why.

 

“I hope so.” Her mother said taking the necklace off Aihe's palm and placing it around Aihe's neck. She then hugged Aihe tightly before letting her go and smiling brightly at her daughter. “Come on lets go get some cake before your father eats it all.” As they walked away form the beach Aihe took her mothers hand, thinking it was the happiest moment of her life.

 

A tear slid down the side of Aihe's face before she was awakened by the ship's sudden movement. She sat straight up and heard yelling and running outside her door. The ship had stopped moving. She quickly put on her robe over her under garments and rushed out of her room. She joined Aang and Katara in the hall.

 

“What's going on?” Aihe asked worried.

 

“I don't know but the ship feels like it's being rammed.” Aang said as they continued to run to the deck. When they reached it a huge wave was coming over the side as the ship jerked to the side again. Katara and Aihe rushed forward and diverted the wave back over the side.

 

“A tortuous whale is attacking the ship!” Sokka yelled at Aang while holding onto Toph.

 

“But they are gentle.” Aang said rushing to the side of the ship and sure enough he saw the shell of the whale come up out of the water as it turned to attack the ship again. While Aang was looking over one side of the ship Aihe was looking over the other. She had been drawn there by a small lonely sound. Below she saw the silhouette of a calf swimming in confused circles at the surface. When she turned to tell every one what she had found she saw a crewman aiming a harpoon at the mother whale. Before she could think she was bending water toward the crewman and freezing him to the spot.

 

“What do you think you are doing?!” Zuko barked at her. Ignoring him she ran to the other side of the ship. The mother whales exhale told her that it was about to ram the ship again. Bending low she and steadied herself, when the mother whale came within distance Aihe joined Katara and Aang in making a cushion from the water and then pushing the mother as far as they could from the ship.

 

“I'm stopping you from making a very stupid mistake!” Aihe yelled back finally.

 

“I'm not making a mistake! That whale is trying to sink us.” Zuko yelled even louder then before.

 

“She's angry we separated her from her calf.” Aihe yelled. Every one stopped in their tracks suddenly realizing the truth behind the situation. “Katara, Aang, she's coming back for another blow. Keep her back and I'll bring the calf around.” Aang and Katara nodded to Aihe's commands and prepared for the mothers attack while Aihe ran back to the side where the calf was. Before anyone could protest Aihe threw off her robe and dove over the side. Using her bending she landed safely in the water. The calf swam up to her immediately being too young to know fear of humans. She started to swim around the bow of the ship with the calf curiously following her. A few times she had to bend the calf towards her when it lost interest and stopped. It took almost ten minutes to get the calf to the other side of the ship where the mother had just been pushed away. The calf let out a cry when it saw it's mother and made a beeline for her. The mother stopped it's attack and waited for the calf. The two whales left immediately once reunited. Aihe treaded water for a few minutes as they lowered a rope to her.

 

“Are you insane?” Zuko scolded Aihe once she was safety on board. She bended herself dry and Iroh handed her, her robe which she put on quickly.

 

“Thank you General Iroh.” Aihe said bowing to Iroh. Zuko's temper was about to pop. “No I'm not insane.” Aihe continued looking Zuko dead in the eye.

 

“You could have been killed.” Zuko yelled.

“Yes I could have but I wasn't.” Aihe said in a far to calm voice for Zuko's liking.

 

“You could have just bended the calf to it's mother! You didn't need to jump off the ship.” Zuko started scolding her again.

 

“If I had bended the calf to it's mother I would have risked hurting it or scaring it. Either of which would have made the mother so furious she would not have stopped ramming us until one of us was dead. I was not about to orphan a calf by doing things the easy way.” Aihe said coldly. Zuko felt hurt by her tone and surrendered the battle of words with a huff. He then hurried off the deck with the crew on his heels. Katara and Aang followed along with Toph and Sokka. No one said a word to her as they left which made her feel awkward and unwanted. `I shouldn't have said that? It was not my place.' she reminded herself watching every one but Iroh leave the deck. Iroh made a move towards her but she turned away from him crossing her arms over her stomach and hanging her head. Iroh frowned sadly and left her alone. She would wait until most of the ship was asleep before returning to her quarters. She had over stepped her bounds and she knew it. Tomorrow she would face Toph to decide whether she stayed or not.

 

 

 

Ok so that took me a while to write and it goes from happy to sad. I hope you like it and again any suggestions are great. I tried to do action and I hope it worked but let me know. Thanks for reading.