Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Traditions of the Heart ❯ Volcano Town ( Chapter 6 )

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

 

Ok so the ending of the last chapter was a little dramatized but if I was able to get the point by (which not being a seasoned writer I may not have) it should make sense. In case I failed the point is that Aihe should not have taken control of the situation she is a servant and unfamiliar to the group. Now back to the story.

 

The sun rose slowly over the horizon and with it a new day began. A few hours past sun rise Toph rolled out of bed and stumbled over to her water basin. She was still very tired from being woken up in the middle of the night and after that she couldn't sleep. She was worried about Aihe and what the others would want her to do about her friend and bodyguard. `I hope they don't expect me to send her away when we reach land. I thought for sure she would become a part of the group and that we could all be friends.” Toph thought dolefully as she groomed herself. Sighing when she finished Toph left her room and headed for the mess hall. There she found most of the crew and her friend's busy eating breakfast. She walked over to sit next to Katara who handed her a plate of food.

 

“Where's Aihe this morning.” Toph asked hoping that the answer would show her worries was unfounded.

 

“None of us have seen her all morning.” Aang answered regretfully.

 

“She's probably still sleeping.” Sokka offered trying to lighten the mood.

 

“I hope she…” Toph stopped when Zuko and Iroh entered the hall. Aang, Katara, and Sokka watched as they took their seats at the table. Nothing registered on Zuko's face and Iroh just looked very tired. Toph decided to not play it safe and get it out in the open.

 

“I know you're probably still mad that my bodyguard acted out of turn last night but I will not send her away or make her act more subservient.” Toph said bluntly. “She may not be familiar to you but she is my friend.”

 

“I never said I would ask you to do either of those things.” Zuko said before taking a sip of his tea. “I may be Fire Lord but you should know me better then to cast someone out for one out burst. I'm not my father.” Zuko finished giving Toph a small smile.

 

“There is also the matter that she was right.” Iroh piped in his voice drowsy.

 

“Toph, we have all had little fights before and once or twice it has caused a rift in the group but it was always quickly filled. We acted poorly too last night. We shouldn't have just left her standing there. I hope she can forgive us because we all like her.” Katara said putting a hand on Toph's shoulder. Toph smiled glad to have such great friends.

 

“So where is she anyways?” Zuko asked pouring another cup of tea for Iroh who was slipping in and out of sleep.

 

“Nobody knows.” Sokka said. Zuko looked around the room and saw a large surly crewman who was about to return to duty. Zuko got his attention and waved him over.

 

“You wanted to see me Lord Zuko?” The crewman asked in a hoarse voice bowing.

 

“Will you please go find Miss Aihe for me? I want her to join us for breakfast.” Zuko said.

 

“I would be glad to go find her, my lord.” The crewman said bowing once again before leaving.

 

The crewman searched the inside of the ship with no results. It wasn't until he ventured outside that he found Aihe. Standing on the deck with her arms folded behind her back. Her blue water tribe clothes had been changed for a blue/green colored linen dress that wrapped around her neck and exposed her shoulders, her sleeves started on the upper part of her biceps and ended in a small bell cuff. Her hair which usually was left down was tied up tightly and the tail was twisted, all that remained that was the same was her bangs and two stray pieces of hair that fell on either side of her face. The crewman had never seen clothing like this but he didn't care to know anything about this woman so he didn't ask.

 

“Lord Zuko wants to see you.” The crewman said in a less then friendly voice. Aihe turned towards the man to see him glaring at her. His violent amber eyes piercing into her pale blue ones. Aihe felt off about this man immediately but let it slid.

 

“Where will I find him?” Aihe asked stoically.

 

“The mess hall with his friends.” The crewman said sharply.

 

“Thank you” Aihe said walking towards the door the leading into the ship. She was stopped by the crewman who grabbed her wrist as she past. She balled her fists and glared at the man. He held her so tightly it hurt but she gave no sign he was putting her in any pain. Aihe decided in this moment that no matter what was said to her, she would not leave Toph or anyone else with this man on board.

 

“I didn't appreciate being frozen last night by a silly little water tribe wench. You should learn your place. I hope Lord Zuko throws you off the ship in the middle of the ocean for being so ballsy.” The crewman said viciously. Aihe wrenched her wrist from his grip and glared at him defiantly but held her tongue. She would take this little matter up with Iroh. Dealing with it alone would only make matters worse. As she continued her way to the mess hall he followed closely behind her.

 

“Lord Zuko, as you requested I have brought you Aihe.” The crewman said bowing.

 

“Thank you, you may go back to work.” Zuko said calmly. The crewman turned around and before leaving he gave her a hateful grin. Aihe wanted nothing more then to cut this man down to size and most likely freeze him again. He was obviously prejudiced but there was more to it, the question was what. Aihe brought herself out of her thoughts to try her best to correct the previous night's mistake.

 

“Fire Lord Zuko, I want to apologize for my behavior last night.” Aihe said bowing low. “It was inappropriate and I had no right to speak to you that way. I will not speak out of place again, please forgive me.” Aihe said lifting her head just enough to look at Zuko. His face didn't show her anything which made her insides clinch. `Please don't send me away. I'd hate to have to disobey you. I like you.' Aihe thought as if she could somehow transmit her thoughts to Zuko and persuade him to not toss her on her rear. She chanced a look at Toph who was smiling which made her clinched insides relax and her hope grew brighter.

 

“I forgive you but let us try not to yell at each other in the future. As for your place, we are all friends here.” Zuko said gesturing to the whole table. Every one else nodded and smiled. Aihe felt relief and joy flood her body. It was mostly because Zuko had called her a friend. Aihe made her way around the table to give Toph a hug. Katara didn't want to be left out so she jumped up and joined their hug. Aang looked over at the men of the table before getting up. All three men squeezed a place in the hug too making Aihe giggle with joy. After being released from the hug they all started to sit back down. That's when it donned on them that Aihe's clothing was different.

 

“Aihe, aren't you cold?” Sokka asked remembering it was only two nights ago she had been shivering enough for Zuko to give her his cloak.

 

“It is actually quite a lovely day but it is a little chilly.” Aihe said not taking the hint he was talking about her clothes.

 

“No I mean your clothes look thin and different.” Sokka explained. Aihe looked down at what she was wearing suddenly felt embarrassed as to why she was wearing them.

 

“Oh. Well um...” Aihe started rubbing the back of her neck. “I was feeling a bit homesick so I put these on.” The faces around the table gave her a look to continue explaining. “The Tropical water tribes dress like this, well women do. I had on clothes I got from the northern water tribe before; I get fewer questions that way.”

 

“I think it looks lovely.” Katara said eyeing the dress and wanting one for herself. Aihe smiled brightly and thought that she would have to take them all home some day.

“It suits you very well.” Zuko said smiling in a way that made some of the women in the crew sigh. Aihe, Sokka, Toph, Katara, and Aang all fought to stifle their laughter. Iroh wasn't trying to hide his amusement he just let it out while Zuko rubbed the bridge of his nose.

 

“Thank you” Aihe finally managed to say. She was then given a plate of food by the cook and the group went back to eating. Aihe paused for a second to take it all in. In only a few days she felt like she was part of a family, something she hadn't felt in thirteen long years.

 

The rest of the trip was spent relaxing as if it were a vacation. Aihe mentioned the incident with the crewman to Iroh who told her that he was just a product of the Fire Nations brainwashing during the war. He did however refuse to let her be alone. If he didn't stay with her he made sure someone including Zuko was.

 

They reached their destination a day later and everyone noticed Zuko became quiet and his fuse was cut in half. Iroh tried to keep him in good spirits but it failed miserably. As they all readied themselves aboard the ship to leave and become guests of a strange family they all wondered what the first girl would be like.

 

“I hope she's at least pretty.” Aang said waiting on the dock with the others for Zuko and Iroh. Katara sat on her bag next to him while holding his hand. Appa was also still on deck getting his saddle put back on by the crew.

 

“Looks don't matter.” Toph said leaning against a post with her arms crossed over her chest.

 

“They do when you have to wake up every morning and see them.” Aihe said as she sat her bag down next to Sokka who was busy petting Momo.

 

“I don't have that problem. I go by personality.” Toph said shrugging.

 

“Yeah I know. I've seen your ex.” Aihe joked making Toph stick out her tongue. The group laughed then finally Zuko and Iroh appeared walking down the gangplank.

 

“What have we missed?” Iroh said looking around at the laugh happy group.

 

“Oh nothing, we were just discussing looks verses personality.” Toph explained.

 

“Which one won in the most favor.” Iroh asked setting his bag down by Toph.

 

“We didn't get that far but I would say looks win.” Sokka said still petting Momo.

 

“I think it's both.” Aihe said reaching over and scratching Momo behind the ear.

 

“Either way it doesn't matter lets just get going.” Zuko said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

 

“First we need to figure out where we are going.” Sokka said.

 

“We are going to a town called Kazan. There we will meet the Fung Family.” Iroh said.

 

“Kazan…sounds familiar.” Sokka said rubbing his chin where he was now growing a beard much like his fathers. “Oh well we've been to so many places they all start to sound the same.” He finished shrugging.

 

They grabbed their bags and walked over to where Appa had just landed after flying off the ship. Sokka climbed up first and Aang threw the bags up to him. When everyone was in the saddle and relatively comfortable Aang said “Yip, Yip” and they were off. It didn't take long to reach the town and as soon as Aang, Katara, and Sokka saw it they knew why it had sounded so familiar to Sokka. It was the town Aang had saved from the volcano after the people had bought too much into Aunt Woo's predictions. Sokka groaned hoping that Aunt Woo was no longer around to cause mayhem with her fortune telling. They landed at the gate and entered the town on foot. Sokka's hopes were dashed when he saw her assistant in the town square shopping. Meng noticed them and ran over to greet them

 

“Hello.” Meng said with a big smile.

 

“Hello, Meng” Katara said sweetly.

 

“Hey.” Sokka and Aang said. Meng stood there looking like a grown up version of the child they remembered. Her hair was still just as unmanageable as it was before but she had grown prettier with age.

 

“Excuse me. My name is Iroh and we are looking for the Fung Family. Could you tell us where to find their home?” Iroh asked kindly. Meng nodded.

 

“Sure, right now they are living in the hotel. Their home is under construction.” Meng said as if it was obvious. Sokka glared straight ahead and wondered what horrible fate lay before them. “Are you Iroh?” Meng said suddenly.

 

“Yes I am” Iroh said.

 

“We were told to expect you and your friends. I'll show you to the hotel.” Meng said gesturing for them to follow. Katara looked around the town and realized it had grown sustainably.

“The town has really changed since last time we were here.” Katara said catching up to Meng.

 

“Yeah, the business Aunt Woo brings in has helped build up the economy so we have been able to add thing like the hotel.” Meng said cheerfully.

 

“What about the volcano. Has it acted up again?” Aang asked.

 

“No it has become dormant.” Meng answered.

 

“The town still doesn't rely on Aunt Woo to tell if it's going to erupt does it?” Sokka said looking at the wall that Aang had built with his bending last time they were there.

 

“Actually we send someone up to check after Aunt Woo's prediction to make sure it's accurate.” Meng said putting her finger up. Sokka was happy to hear they physically checked but it bothered him they still put stock in Aunt Woo's magic.

 

“Here it is. The Fortune Hotel.” Meng said giving them a huge grin. It was quite a sight to behold. Two stories in beautiful off white stucco. It looked like it could hold two hundred people at least. The check in desk was just inside the doors. A tall skinny man stood behind it going over a large book.

 

“May I help you?” The clerk asked eyeing them.

 

“Yes I am Iroh and this is my nephew Zuko. We are guests of the Fung Family.” Iroh said politely. The clerk quickly looked at the book running his finger along the page then sighed.

 

“I'm sorry the Fung Family is out on a picnic for the day and we have no rooms available at this time.” The clerk said pushing his spectacles up his slender hawk nose.

 

“What do you mean there are no rooms available? Where are we supposed to stay?” Zuko said trying to control his temper but failing. He was nervous about meeting the girl and annoyed all at the same time. Toph put her hand on his shoulder to calm him. The clerk was taken aback but Iroh's smile had him straightening himself up before answering.

 

“We are holding a festival in honor of the anniversary of the end of the war. People from other towns have come to participate and we are booked.” The clerk said calmly while watching Zuko closely.

 

“You can stay with us.” Meng said. “Aunt Woo wouldn't mind and you can meet my husband.” Sokka inwardly groaned.

 

“I didn't know you are married. That's great.” Katara said happy because Meng had found her man and two because she wouldn't have to be possessive over Aang. Aang had told her about Meng's crush and Meng had told her about Aunt Woo's prediction of the big eared man. It didn't take much to put two and two together. “We would love to stay with you.” Sokka outwardly groaned.

 

Meng led them to Aunt Woo's home and said fortune teller was waiting for them at the door.

 

“I have been expecting you.” Aunt Woo said sweetly. Sokka's head fell. “Come in.” Everyone said thank you as they passed her which she merely nodded to until Iroh passed. She smiled at him warmly and watched him enter her home.

“Please take a seat. Meng will get your rooms ready. I hope you don't mind sharing?” Aunt Woo said sitting on a mat across from them.

 

“How will we be sharing the rooms?” Aihe asked cautiously. Aunt Woo giggled as if she thought Aihe meant she might want her to share with one of the young men.

 

“I have three guest rooms. You may split your selves up how ever you like.” Aunt Woo said winking at Aihe who raised her eye brow in response.

 

“I say girls in one room and guys in the other. Katara and Aang can take the third room.” Toph said. Sokka didn't like that idea at all.

 

“What? Their not married yet. Katara stays with you two and Aihe I want you to make sure no one comes in or out of that room.” Sokka yelled. Aihe gave Sokka a hard look and Katara pouted.

 

“Sokka?” Aihe said.

 

“What?” Sokka responded not evening looking at her.

 

“We can do it your way and I'll turn my cheek to anything Katara does or we can do it Toph's way.” Aihe said calmly folding her hands and setting them in her lap. Sokka gave her a surprised look.

 

“Why?” Sokka asked.

 

“Cause I'm a sucker for love.” Aihe said in super girly voice while fluttering her eye lashes. Katara giggled as Sokka fumed.

 

“Ok now that we have gotten the room situation down would any one like me to tell you your fortune. I'm sensing some good stuff in this room.” Aunt Woo said.

 

“Sure why not.” Toph said before Sokka could say anything.

 

“Very good. I will see you one at a time. You're first dear.” Aunt Woo said offering her hand to Toph who took it. Toph sat in front of Aunt Woo once the doors were closed.

 

“Now what would you like to know about.” Aunt Woo said taking Toph's hand again.

 

Toph thought for a second, “I'd like to know about the man I'm going to marry and if my parents approve.”

 

“Ah well I see a very handsome man. He is strong and intelligent with a good sense of humor.” Aunt Woo started. Toph smiled hoping this man was the water bender warrior sitting in the next room. “As for your parents, they will accept him over time. Don't expect fast results, patience is key in the case of your father. By the birth of your first child you will have a happy family.”

 

“Sweet” Toph said beaming.

 

“Is there anything else you would like to know?” Aunt Woo said still holding Toph's hand.

 

“No thanks.” Toph said. Toph and Aunt Woo went back to the other room. Toph's cheeks felt hot as soon as she sensed Sokka lounging of the floor eating bean curd puffs. She took a seat close to him. Aunt Woo turned her attention to Katara and offered her hand.

 

“Katara your next.” Aunt Woo said kindly.

 

“Oh no thank you, Aunt Woo. I know my future.” Katara said before hugging Aang and kissing his cheek. Aang returned the kiss to her forehead and held her close. Aunt Woo smiled happily and then set her eyes on Aihe who hesitated.

 

“Don't be afraid, dear, I will not bite.” Aunt Woo said as if comforting a small child. Aihe stood up and took Aunt Woo's hand.

 

“I will do a bone reading for you. Please select a bone and put it on the fire.” Aunt Woo said pointing to a fancy pot holding a variety of bones. Aihe silently picked a medium sized bone and put it in the fire careful not to burn herself. Instantly the bone cracked in several places. Aunt Woo took the bone out of the fire when it was finished making noise and began reading it.

 

“I see that you are searching for answers and a… key of some sort. You will find the answers in time. Do not hunt them down, let them come to you. You are split in two where two were once one. A time will come when you will have to face a very troubling decision. If you can forgive a closed heart, he will help steer you in the right direction. As for the key you seek, you must start your search again. Go to the place you fear the most and your path will lie down before you.” Aunt Woo said as if in a trance. Aihe's eyes widened at what she heard. `I thought she was going to just tell me about my love life. Whoa nelly. Why didn't I come see her ten years ago.'

 

“Is that all the bone says?” Aihe asked hoping for a little more.

 

“The only other thing I see here is that you will marry the man your parents betrothed you to.” Aunt Woo said checking the bone over making sure she got it all. Aihe's eye brow rose at this last piece of information.

 

“Right.” Aihe said out loud while adding `I'm not betrothed so that's not likely' in her head. She lost a little faith in her fortune but chose not to toss it all out. “Thank you.” Aihe added after a long pause.

 

“Sorry I couldn't give you more details. It's all very cryptic.” Aunt Woo said tossing the bone into a pile of other used bones. Aihe stood and bowed.

 

“It will get me by. I will send the Fire Lord into see you next.” Aihe said leaving the room. “Your turn Fire Lord Zuko. Good luck.” Aihe said taking a seat next to Toph who was using her senses to watch Sokka's every move. Zuko stood and went into the room. It was fifteen minutes before he came out again. He had taken longer then anyone else had up to that point. His face showed he must have liked his fortune so Katara decided to ask.

 

“What did Aunt Woo tell you that put you in a good mood?”

 

“Oh nothing just the usual good fortune. You know long life, happy nation, pretty wife, three children.” Zuko said as if he was already a proud father.

 

“You know she has been wrong before.” Sokka said. Aihe nodded as she watched Iroh walk into the room.

 

“She told me I would marry my betrothed.” Aihe said to no one in particular. Zuko shot her a confused look and everyone else just stared interested. “Except I'm not betrothed and my parents never mentioned it.”

 

“Maybe their waiting until your older?” Aang offered but not convinced by his own words.

 

“Even if that is what they wanted the truth died with them.” Aihe said as if it was no big deal. Inside it hurt a little to think of them. He beautiful mother and her strong father what would they be like today. What would she be like if they had not died?

 

“I'm sorry, Aihe.” Zuko said putting a hand on her shoulder, for it he received a heart warming smile. Zuko wouldn't admit it but he was developing a crush on Aihe. He knew he had to marry nobility but he wasn't blind to the beauty of a peasant.

 

“It's alright. It's not your fault and they passed away thirteen years ago.” Aihe said patting his hand which was still on her shoulder.

 

“How old were you?” Sokka asked sadly.

 

“I was ten. In fact it was my tenth birthday the day they died.” Aihe said starting to feel tears form but willed herself not to cry.

 

“May I ask how?” Sokka pressed. Aihe paused for a second then answered.

 

“Another time Sokka, I promise.”

 

Ok so that took me forever to write and revise. The pace is slow but hopefully next chapter Ill get it picked up. Hope you liked it and let me know if there's anything you want to know/read in the next chapter.