A/N: Inspired by the piece "Brave Soldier Boy" by Ceshira on Deviantart. This was also all written completely by memory, so the quotes might be slightly off. Taken from my tumblr account, so don't kill me if you see this there. I'm not stealing it, I swear. :) Hope you guys like it.
I don't own anything; Avatar belongs to Nickelodeon.
Golden leaves that were dancing in the wind gently settled close beside an immense tree. The trunk had withered and aged from years and years of standing strong against the numerous seasons but something about those vibrantly colored leaves made the tree seem full of life even to this day. The smoke of cinnamon-scented incense floated up to the branches of the tree, enveloping the leaves in a grey mist before disappearing in thin air. The amber sun was slowly dipping below the horizon, the sky slowly turning a bright orange.
A dry, withered leaf slowly fluttered to the ground, falling beside a framed picture when a single drop of water fell upon it. Next to the framed picture were two burning incense sticks, obviously lit by firebending. The framed photograph sat upon a picnic blanket laying upon the blades of fresh green grass, the autumn air nipping the noses of six adults kneeling by the roots of the tree. Several beats of silence passed between each of them, their eyes focused on the beautifully framed photograph surrounded by fruit offerings and incense sticks. The man sitting closest to the photo wiped his eyes quickly, his hand slowly reaching for his scarred eye as scenes flooded his mind.
"In our darkest times, hope is something you give yourself."
At the memory of those exact words, spoken in the compassionate gruff voice of his beloved relative, tears streamed down the Firelord's cheeks. He allowed himself to be completely drenched in emotion as he recollected the amazing moments he once had. They seemed so precious now that they were gone.
The friends behind him shared sympathetic glances, their own feelings of sorrow weighing down their hearts. The airbender reminisced his own experiences as he glanced at the photograph in front of him.
"Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you will come to a better place."
Tears threatened to flood out of his eyes now, but he blinked them away at the sight of his crestfallen friend. Aang had to stay strong for Zuko; he had lost everything. He glanced at the others, Suki, Sokka, Katara and Toph, as he remembered how they had been such young children not too long ago. He recollected the fond memories of this wise, tea-loving old man, and how he had treated them like family, expressing nothing but love for everyone. Aang's firm hand laid on Zuko's shoulder, his grey eyes twinkling at the firebender.
"His spirit will always live on, Zuko. No matter what." The firebender nodded, grateful beyond belief for the support his friends were giving him. However, he was far too afraid that speaking would lead to inevitable tears and therefore, his lips failed to form words. There was a moment of silence, and then even the birds seemed to listen when Zuko started to sing softly in a shaky voice.
Leaves from the vine
Falling so slow
Like fragile tiny shells
Drifting in the foam
Little soldier boy
Comes marching home
Brave soldier boy
Comes marching home