Zutara - Secrets Chapter 6

Zutara -  Secrets Chapter 6

Fire and water collided over and over, creating massive clouds of steam. I tried everything – waterwhips, octopus, waves, ice – but Zuko dodged or blocked every move. It was true that I held back a bit, I didn't want to hurt him.

Zuko sent a fireball right at my head from only 7 feet away. I ducked my head and spun around, grabbing his leg and causing him to fall. Yes! I finally got him to the ground. Before he could move or retaliate, I quickly formed a swarm of ice crystals and through them towards him, stopping them inches from his face.

For a moment he just sat there and stared wide eyed and the ice in front of him. Then suddenly we heard a voice. "I though you guys said you wouldn't kill each other!!" It was Sokka who had ran down the path and was running towards us. The others were still at the top of the hill except Aang who had airbent himself beside Sokka.

"We were only practicing," I said while letting the ice melt and splash onto the ground.

"That did NOT look like practicing!" Sokka yelled.

Zuko stood up and rubbed the elbow he had landed on, "Relax, Sokka. I am fine. She's right, we were only practicing."

Sokka eyed us suspiciously. I rolled my eyes and turned to Aang, "So did you bring us food?"

"Yes we did! Suki has it," He grinned. "And don't worry, we didn't forget your fireflakes Zuko."

I glanced at Zuko a moment, then peered up at the others standing on the top of the hill toward the house. I saw that Suki held a bag in her hands. My stomach growled.

"Then lets go eat," Sokka said.

Just then I noticed sand that had collected on my dress from earlier. I discretely brushed it off, hoping not to provoke any questions. At least Sokka was mostly uncertain that we might still hate each other, I would let him believe whatever he wanted for now, as long as it wasn't the truth.

After the midday meal, Aang and Zuko returned to firebending, Toph, Sokka, Suki and I sat talking near the edge of the courtyard. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Zuko's body move violently to create large flames. I loved the way he moved, it was extremely intriguing to watch. In one instance, I became more than distracted by his form. After a while I caught myself staring, then turned back to the others that sat near me. All three of them were facing me.

"What?" I asked.

"You okay?" Suki asked in answer.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"I just asked what made you attack Zuko," said Sokka.

"Oh," My mind was racing. I hadn't of thought of a cover story. "Well, first of all, he attacked me first." Suki's eyes grew wide and Sokka raised one eyebrow suspiciously while Toph only smirked. I bit my lip, ok, that wasn't the best thing to say. I need to save myself fast, "well, um, it's because we got in an argument… over who was the better bender. So we decided the best way to settle it was with a small bending battle." That sounded convincing enough.

"Small?" Sokka crossed his arms.

"The only reason we knew where you two were, was a cloud of steam that we could see from the house," Suki added with a small smile.

I smiled sheepishly, though I was unsurprised. When my eyes rested on Toph, she was still wearing a devious smirk. She knew better. I just hoped that she didn't know too much.

~~~~~

That night we all headed to the Ember Island Players. As our group entered the room, Aang and Sokka went to the counter to buy tickets. I stood between Suki and Zuko who was in a cloak with a hood that hid his scar.

When Sokka came back he said, "Alright, we got a box so that we aren't sitting by a bunch of people, that way we won't be very suspicious and won't be seen or recognized."

"Good thinking Sokka," Suki smiled and grabbed his arm. I rolled my eyes.

"The play is supposed to start soon, lets find our seats," said Aang.

With a wide grin, Sokka lead the way to our section. We walked up a set of stairs then another set that had a curtain door at the top. Sokka held the curtain back for us and Toph entered first and I followed behind her. She sat on the end of the first row and I sat next to her. Zuko had gone the opposite way around the seats and turned to the front row in time to sit casually next to me. I had the urge to smile, but I kept my face blank and stared forward at the stage. I noticed Aang complain that he had wanted to sit next to me, but I was glad when Zuko said it wasn't a big deal. He pulled his hood down and Aang sat silently next to him.

Toph grumbled, "Why are we sitting in the nose bleed section? My feet can't see a thing from up here."

Just then the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the play. I leaned forward and said to Toph, "Don't worry, I'll tell your feet what's happening." My hand rested on the seat beside me. Suddenly this hand was covered by another hand. I looked at the owner of the hand, Zuko. He did turn to me, but the edge of his mouth went up the slightest bit. I looked back at the stage and grinned discretely.

The red curtain was pulled back revealing a boat with two people inside. My eyes rested on the woman who I knew was supposed to be me. She was a slightly large woman with thick stage make up and unbelievable cleavage. I jumped in surprise as a hand grabbed my shoulder and my hand slipped out from under Zuko's hand. I turned to see that the hand belonged to Sokka who had an excited grin. I smiled back at him and turned back to the stage.

The Actress that played me took the focus by saying, "Oh, Sokka, my only brother, we constantly roam these icy South Pole seas and yet never do we find anything fulfilling." I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms.

"All I want is a full feeling in my stomach, I'm starving!" The Sokka on stage said comically.

"Is food the only thing on your mind?" My character asked.

"Well, I'm trying to get it out of my mind and into my mouth. I'm starving." I peeked back at Sokka who was watching in disbelief. I agreed, this was terrible.

Then my actress stood up saying dramatically, "Everyday, the World awaits a beacon to guide us, yet none appears. Still, we cannot give up hope. For hope is all we have and we must never relinquish it. Even to our dying breath." I grit my teeth. This was ridiculous. And I realized… this was going to be a long play.