Avatar: The Legend of Azula, Book 1: Air

Xin Fu

"I am glad you see things my way, Bumi. I will be taking your ship Toph, whether you like it or not. As well as you crew. All of them." Xin Fu said, looking at Cheng. He gave a dark smile.

Yuon

"Tradition is tradition, boy. I will not train you, no matter what. You cannot change my mind!" Yuon said sharply.

Aang

There was no way he could convince her now, but Aang was not about to change his mind. He'd try again and again, trying different ways to persuade her to teach him until she relented. He didn't reply, but his face was set, showing his determination, this was a boy who wasn't going to give up so easily.

Cheng glared at Xin Fu. Perhaps it was some of Toph's rebelliousness rubbing off on him, but he wasn't scared of the admiral. He was just a glorified ape as far as he was concerned.
He spoke, "I wouldn't serve under you if my life depended on it."

"Um, Cheng, technically your life does depend on it because he could turn you in for denying his order." Toph pointed out. He may not like it, but it was true. And if he didn't want to end up banished like her, or worse, he would go.

Cheng flushed a bit, but nodded anyway. She was right, he realized. He had almost forgotten that this was the military. His time here had almost made the ship seem like home.

Bumi

"Young Cheng, no need to worry, serving tough time in the military will do you some good, you've had it far too easy here," Bumi said, and gave a laugh. At least his granddaughter was holding up somewhat, like he knew she would. It would take a lot to wear her down.

Cheng nodded at the old man, grateful for his words. He smiled a little, "I trust that you and Toph will be alright without me."

Yuon

Yuon noticed Aang's determination, but said nothing. She walked back to the others and took a seat. The head councilwoman stood up.

"Your training will begin tomorrow, Avatar Azula. Hm, I do not think I said my name. Forgive me, I am Sarek. Ty Lee, why don't you show our honored guests to their rooms? In the meantime we will prepare a feast tonight." Sarek said.

Xin Fu

"Ah, I'm glad you're seeing things my way, Ensign Cheng. Your crew will report to me in an hour. I trust you will inform them of their new commanding officer. Until next time, my dear Princess." Xin Fu sneered. He started to leave, but turned to Bumi.

"As a former Emperor, your presence would be most valued. I'm sure you could help us come up with a good strategy. Would you care to join me, Lord Bumi?"

"Yes sir," Cheng murmured before glaring at Xin Fu as his suggestion to Bumi. The old man wouldn't really take the Admiral's offer, would he? Besides, that oversized ape was probably doing this to spite Toph even more, just to show his superiority.

Toph silently burned with rage. What was she suppose to do know? Sit here and wait for them to come back? She knew her grandfather well enough to know that he'd say yes. She started to think of how she could get out of here or how she could get to the Air Temple before Xin Fu.

Bumi

"Admiral Xin Fu, I am an old man, a retired Emperor. I have earned a rest from battle and war, and I have a granddaughter who needs looking after. I am not needed in your invasion, I should think there are more than enough minds to concoct an invasion plan worthy of the Earth Empire without me," Bumi said.

Ty Lee nodded and stood. She smiled apologeticly at Aang and then began down a hallway.

"Your rooms are this way."

On the way On Ji looked at the inside of the Temple. It was as amazing as the outside. She was glad that she was able to join the Avatar and the others for now.

Xin Fu

Xin Fu frowned but did not press the issue. He gave a mocking bow to the Princess and left the bar.

Zuko

Zuko followed Ty Lee to their rooms, looking around the temple in amazement. The Air Nomads sure knew how to make beautiful designs. He couldn't wait to check around the palace when he got the chance.

Toph was surprised when her grandfather turned Xin Fu down. That was different.

~*~

Azula silently followed Ty Lee to their rooms. On the way she studied all the amazing details. There were details within details within details!

Yue followed Ty Lee also. She wondered how Aang felt right now. Partly because he just got turned down and because he was interacting with his own kind.

[[ 'Interacting with his own kind' made my mind drift to the gutter. >.> ]]

"I really hate that guy," Cheng commented as soon as he knew the Admiral was out of earshot.

Ty Lee stopped and turned to the group.

"The girls get one room, the boys the other," she said bowing low. Then she stood up straight again and gave Aang a sympathetic look.

"I am sorry." Then she began to smile and giggled lightly. "The Elders are stuck in the old way, but it is the only way we know."

She bowed again and giggled lightly before walking off. On Ji felt a little envy. Ty Lee was pretty.

((Anyone mind if we did a time-skip for the Gaang?))

(I don't.)

((Go ahead.))

(I don't mind)

[[ Fine with me. ^^ ]]

(So, go ahead Magus)

((Sorry for holding things up here. I'll try and move things along tomorrow.))

General Narrative

Several hours had passed in the Western Air Temple. Now the Avatar and her friends were being ushered into the grand dining hall of the temple, the feast now prepared.

General Narrative

Some time had passed since Xin Fu had taken Toph's ship, and now he and her crew were now leaving the naval base. Many of her crewman said their goodbyes and thanks to their captain as they boarded the ship. Soon only Cheng, Bumi, and Toph were left at the dock.

"Well, this is good-bye," Cheng told Toph awkwardly. He really didn't want to leave her. He smiled a little. It was only now that he realized how attached he was to the blind girl.