Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar. Or Paramore's song, which for the oddest reason inspired the title and summary--considering the fact it doesn't match the story. (shrugs)

Title: For a Pessimist

By: Shuramai

Summary: I'm Pretty Optimistic. Zuko-centric. Why am I so bored that I'm actually taking Uncle's advice?

2008 Year of the Hog Monkey, sometime during the beginning of spring, in the Western Air Temple

This entry is already starting out wrong.

I think its actually closer to being the beginning of summer than spring.

Whatever.

Anyways, Uncle had once mentioned that writing down my thoughts in a journal would be a beneficial practice. He had mentioned that it was therapeutic effects--not that I'm insinuating that you're starting to become as psychopathic as your sister, Prince Zuko!--and he had then muttered under his breath that if it would stop the occasional random people being thrown overboard, it would also be a blessing.

Personally, I just think he was trying to figure out when and if I would start dating. Or if I actually enjoyed tea. Which, I'll admit, isn't so bad--just as long as there is some kind of sweetener like sugar or honey in it.

Uncle doesn't believe in either of those things, though, because he believes it ruins the flavor.

Gods--I can't believe I'm actually writing about tea.

I can't believe I'm actually writing.

If word gets out to the others, they will laugh at me, choke on their own spit, die, and come back as poltergeists.

Who will still be laughing at me.

I'd better hide this journal thing somewhere safe.

2008 Year of the Hog Monkey, sometime during the beginning of summer, in the Western Air Temple (two days after the last entry)

I kind of wish I had a calendar to actually tell days--since I can't I guess I'll try to improvise...

Anyways, I guess I'll try to explain more about my recent urge to write my thoughts down.

The others were digging around the temple, when they found this--and a few other things, randomly lying in different areas. Aang, Haru, and Teo were busy trying to ponder how and why some of these things still seemed usable after 100 years, and I almost mentioned that it was some stuff that might've been left behind when I was last here. But I didn't say anything, because Katara kept staring at me, like I was some kind of rabid dog.

She's starting to get on my nerves, a bit, to tell the truth.

I don't really blame her, though--sometimes, I'd like to whack myself over the head with one of Uncle's Pai Sho boards, if any were present, for being such an idiot...but, they'd probably end up giving me a concussion.

I wonder what we're having for dinner?

2008 Year of the Hog Monkey, a few hours later, around midnight

We had soup for dinner. And rice--but that was okay. It's better than nothing.

I had to stay up late to wash the few, meager dishes we have. By the time I finished, everyone was asleep, and I got to my room without running into anyone, thank the Gods.

I was starting to get paranoid about someone finding this.

I'm not supposed to actually have this journal. I didn't let any of the others see it, because once Aang mentioned that he wished he had paper so he could entertain himself like he used to by making origami.

Origami is nice. But this thing is something Uncle once gave me, and even if I didn't want to keep it before, I do now.

And I guess it wouldn't be so bad if someone were to find it. (Just, Gods, don't let it be Sokka, or else he'd never let me live this down!)

I'd better stop writing--don't have many candles, and I don't want to waste one trying to write random, useless junk in it.

Noon, The Next Day

I believe its a waste of ink to write in the year.

Anyways, its not like this anyone will care what year it was. I'm the only one writing and reading this, and its not like years later, it will be in a museum at some College or University somewhere.

Unless I become Fire Lord someday. And the day that happens, rat pigs will fly.

Either that, or my father will miraculously never bend again.

Yeah, right.

Well, I'm bored out of my mind right now. It's been raining all day, and Katara is training Aang outside, while the others are still exploring the Temple. Or at least, that's their excuse, as I know for a fact that Haru and Sokka have been trying to play Four Kingdoms without the kids around, so they can bet money.

They better hope that Toph doesn't find out where they've hidden themselves, or she'll throw a fit because she wasn't invited.

I was invited, but I declined, as I'm sure Katara will blame me for teaching her innocent older brother how to gamble. Not that I'm afraid of her. Not at all. I'm broke.

Sounds like there is a commotion coming from near Teo's room. I'll write later.

Midnight, still the same day

Gods--today had to have been the worst day of my life. I'm completely serious.

Oh, sure, everything was fine, albeit a bit boring, until I heard shouts coming from Teo's room and I (being the brilliant genius I am) ran to investigate. I was half sure that the commotion was being caused was due to a surprise attack by my sister, or Teh Combustion Man, as Sokka likes to call one of the last people I had contracted to capture Aang, who is probably enjoying the view of the bottom of the canyon right about now.

(For the record, Sokka, Teh is not even a word. Just saying.)

Regardless, I ran out of my room with my swords drawn, nearly sprained my ankle as I leaped through to Teo's room and almost impaled The Duke as he ran out carrying two large pouches. Sokka and Haru were yelling, and the next thing I knew, I was hanging by my shirt several feet in the air.

Well, what had happened was that, despite the fact that The Duke was younger than Aang, Haru and Sokka had invited him to play Four Kingdoms. The Duke had been winning--which astounds me, I really thought that those guys were a lot smarter than that--and when Haru and Sokka tried back out of their bets, The Duke got angry, and took the money anyways.

Haru and Sokka began shouting at him that he had cheated, and there had been a fight for the money pieces in the bags, and The Duke finally ran out of the room, just as I ran in and Haru Earthbended.

This led me to be hanging by the scruff of my shirt, several feet in the air, with no way to get down.

And then both boys left, trying to catch the little pipsqueak, waving me off with a "We'll be back in a second, Zuko!" and they forgot about me. For the entire afternoon.

It was several hours later, when Toph rescued me. She had remembered that I was a part of the group now, and had noticed that I was missing.

I don't know what is sadder. The fact that I was not missed, not even by Katara, who makes sure I'm constantly under surveillance because I'm not to be trusted, or the fact that if I really wanted to, I could've flown off and informed The Fire Lord of where Aang and the others were, without anyone becoming the least suspicious of where I'd gone.

Not that I ever would, I'm just saying.

Take that Katara. I'm so on Aang's side.