Last-Minute Meetings

Azula's meditation was broken by the sound of multiple footsteps coming into the backyard. She recognized one set of footsteps immediately: Masanori's springy gait. Another set was light and rapid, suggesting a small child. It had to be Amaya. With that to go on, she knew the others were Ursa and Pai.

When she looked up, Masanori was there. "Cat, look who I found," he said.

Amaya came forward quickly. "Hi, Sister Dragon."

Azula ruffled Amaya's hair with a gesture that was condescending yet affectionate. "How are you, kid?"

"I'm fine, Sister Dragon. Thank you."

"Hello, Azula," Ursa said pleasantly.

"Mother." Azula was cool, to say the least. "Please excuse me if I don't get up." Azula indicated her large belly.

"I understand, baby." Ursa sat down across from her oldest daughter. Pai took his place next to Ursa with Amaya on his lap. Masanori sat next to Azula.

"Nice to see you again, as always," Masanori offered. "But-"

"Why are you here?" Azula was direct to the point of being brusque. "The wedding isn't for another week."

"That's why we're here," Ursa replied, unperturbed. "We want to be near in case you need anything. In fact," she continued, looking through her belt pouch, "I wanted you to have this." She removed a jade ring on a golden chain from her pouch. "My mother wore it to her wedding and I wore it to both of mine. I want you to have it, Azula."

The Fire Princess took the pendant into her hands. "Thank you, Mother."

"Please try it on."

Azula slipped the chain around her neck. "It's very nice, Mother."

"I'll say," Masanori said cheerfully. "It looks great on you, Cat."

"You sound surprised," she teased. She turned to her mother. "I suppose you already spoke with Zuzu."

"Yes," Pai answered. "He sends his best." Pai chuckled. "I think Amaya likes the palace."

"Brother Dragon let me play with the babies."

"But you have us to yourselves for today," Ursa said.

"We're honored," Azula replied, perhaps not with all sincerity.

Amaya slipped her sandals off and squeezed sand with her toes. "I like Ember Island, Sister Dragon."

"I do too, Amaya," Masanori said. "I've always lived here. It's a great place."

"Why are you wearing a dress, Masa?"

"Amaya!" Ursa admonished, fighting laughter. Azula and Pai lost that fight.

Masanori's jaw dropped comically. Then he recovered. "It's not a dress, sweetie. It's what I wear when I train, like I was when you arrived."

"I'm sorry," the little girl said, abashed.

"It's okay," the young man said pleasantly.

"Can we play a game? Amaya asked. "I'm better at ring toss now."

"You two get started," Azula said. "I'll be along momentarily." She watched as her boyfriend and sister moved to another part of the clearing.

Pai took in the surroundings. "Did you do all of this yourselves?"

"No, Pai. Zuzu helped. He sent a group of landscapers. But we do all right. Now, Mother," she continued, "don't be shy. Tell me what's on your mind."

Ursa sighed. "I never could fool you, could I?" She prepared herself. "I'm worried, baby."

Azula sniffed. "You always worry, Mother."

"My oldest daughter is pregnant and getting married less than two years after being in an asylum. I have good reason to be worried."

Azula did not flinch. "I can't stop you from worrying, Mother. But I can try to show you why you need not."

Ursa smiled ruefully. "I always hope for the best, baby. But it helps to plan for the worst."

"Another thing we have in common, then." She tried to lurch to her feet. Pai took her hand and helped her up. "You're a gentleman, Pai. You're both welcome to join us, should you wish it." She headed for the ring toss post.

"Hmph," Pai snorted. "Pleasant, isn't she?"

"Was I much different when I was a few months along? Besides, she and I still have a long way to go." They followed Azula.

Masanori had lifted Amaya up onto his shoulders to give her a better throw. Except her concentration was being broken. "Masa! Stop pinching my toesies!"

"Mm," he replied whimsically, "I'm a hopeless fool for pretty girls."

"You don't need pretty girls to act like a fool, Little Boy." Azula swished her hair. "We're just a bonus."

"Now, now," Pai said, amused, "there is something about a gorgeous girl that cooks a man's brain." He gave his wife a kiss. "Thankfully."