About 15 years ago, the Southern Water Tribe welcomed in a new pair of twins (being as small as the Southern Water Tribe was, every single person knew about the birth mere minutes after it happened). One twin was named Katara, and the other was named Anika. Their mother adored them, as did their father, grandmother, and the rest of the tribe, even their older brother, Sokka. It seemed that they could do nothing wrong, except be absolutely adorable.
But, of course, tragedy hit.
The Fire Nation, which was still battling a war against the other elements, had gotten word that a water bender had been born to the Southern Water Tribe, the first born there since the Avatar's time. Knowing just how dangerous water benders could be once fully taught, the Fire Lord sent out his older brother to capture the water bender and bring it back so he could train it to become one of the most deadly warriors in his army.
Except, once the brother successfully managed to capture one of the twins, his inner compassion won over his duty to his nation and brother, and he decided to save the little girl. His son was fighting in the war right now, and his wife had died during childbirth, thus Iroh was quite lonely. The baby girl could help him regain his joy. All it took was a lie saying the water bender died of cholera, and another lie saying he found an abandoned infant one night once he got back, and then she was all his.
She was his little girl, as close to him as a daughter could get, even a fake one. He taught her to be compassionate, and true to herself, and to be fierce.
A rough patch came once, though. When she was around 4, her ability to water bend suddenly became pronounced. He knew that if people found out, they would most definitely throw both him and his beautiful daughter into prison for treason. But he also knew that if he tried to stifle her talents, she would never truly be herself, and most likely rebel against him. But one option was still left. He'd been taught by the dragons, and could see a fire inside her, so he decided to teach her fire bending, while still training her in water bending. Surprisingly, she excelled in both, surpassing both her cousins and most definitely coming close to the water bending masters in the Northern Water Tribe. He could not have been more proud.
Unfortunately, his duties as a general did not stop because he had obtained a daughter. She was frequently shipped off to her uncle's family to stay for months on end with her cousins while he continued warring, only being able to communicate with her father through occasional letters and gifts. She didn't mind though. She knew it was his job, so she never complained about being bullied by her uncle, cousin, and her cousin's friends to him.
Of course, her aunt and other cousin were much nicer. Her aunt was quiet, and although she wasn't outspoken, she could easily win most arguments with her husband, even though he was the Fire Lord. Her cousin was bullied even worse by his sister, her friends, and his dad, so it was easy to talk with him. Him and his mom made the trips to the palace much nicer, and sometimes she even had the confidence to stand up to her cousin, and the bullying would stop for awhile. The last time she ever saw her cousins was about 7 years after she was adopted. That was when her father was forced to leave her for over 2 years, and also where this story will start.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Tami stepped off her father's warship, which was now hers, and scanned the massive dock for her aunt. She was usually the one who came down to pick her up, occasionally accompanied with Zuko, or even a pouting Azula.
Tenzin, Tami's personal guard, joined her at the foot of the loading dock, not letting his charge out of his sight. Tenzin had been with Tami ever since her first visit to the palace by herself, when she was about 3. Now he was like family.
As Tami searched, she saw a pale, waving hand through the crowd. It was attached to a young woman wearing a dark red gown, looking to be almost in her 30s, with fair skin and black hair waving down to her elbows. That was her aunt.
Tami smiled, relieved her uncle Ozai had decided to let her stay with him...again. She hefted her bag onto her back and waited until Tenzin had his bag secure and on his back before starting towards her aunt.
Her aunt smiled her wide smile that could make anyone feel special, and helped Tenzin with his bag as they started on their way to the palace. Usually the royals used the litter, lest they get their perfect feet dirty, but Tami's aunt wasn't like most royals. "So, Tami, I see you're back," her aunt said.
Tami blushed. "Yes, and father said for 2 years this time!"
She nodded knowingly. "I'm sure Zuko will be happy to see you again."
"Where is he?" Tami blurted out bluntly.
"Sulking. The last I heard, before I left to get you, was that Azula and her friends had tripped him, and he fell into the pond. I do think a visit from you should cheer him up significantly." her aunt waved to a man carting cabbages.
"I suppose," Tami said.
They chatted for awhile after that until they reached the palace. As they approached the wall, Tami's aunt waved her hand, and guards promptly opened the gate for her, and shut it as the little trio walked on. Servants who scurried by would pause to say hello to the Fire Lord's niece and wife, before continuing on with their lives. Only when they walked along through the garden did the friendly atmosphere turn cold.
Tami turned to admire the tiger lilies, which hadn't been here the last time she came, but crumbled when she met Azula's golden, glaring eyes.
"Azula, what a nice surprise," her mother said to her daughter politely, inclining her head as she did so.
"It shouldn't be a surprise to see your own daughter in her own house," Azula said in reply. She swung her cold gaze to her mother. "What is she doing here?"
"Father had to go back to war," Tami said hurriedly.
Azula groaned. "Weren't you JUST here? You might as well put on a maid's uniform and sleep with the servants, at least then some use can come out of your never ending visits."
"Then where's your uniform Azula? After all, you've lived here much longer than Tami," said a damp figure, who was walking to where Tami, her aunt, Azula, and Tenzin were talking. He was hardly taller than Tami, with the same black hair, in a short ponytail, and pale skin as his mother. Tami noticed that his dark red garb was singed all over.
"Zuko, I'm glad you decided to join us," his mom said, beaming. "I see you've dried yourself up well enough."
Azula smirked. "Yes, and you've managed to burn yourself, too. Such a skilled fire bender, that's my brother Zuko."
He glared at her. "It's you and your friends fault I was even wet."
"No! It's your own fault for being so close to the pond. How were we supposed to know you'd go and fall in over some stupid trick?"
"Enough! You've both said your side, there's no need for accusations or rudeness, from either of you. You are the crown prince and princess, show some dignity!" Their mother gave them both stern looks, to which Zuko at least had the grace to look ashamed. Azula, on the other hand, just hmphed and stalked away.
Already used to the daily spats of Azula and Zuko, Tami didn't feel as invasive as she had the first time. She politely let Zuko's mom regain her composure before she asked her anything. As she waited, she waved to Zuko, who returned the wave with a smile.
Tami's aunt sighed, and gave Tami a weary smile. "For the hundredth time, I apologize for the behavior of my children. I can only pray they'll treat you much nicer than they treat each other."
Zuko huffed as he grabbed Tami's arm and started to pull her down the garden path. "You know I always do, Mother. We'll see you at supper, ok?"
His mom nodded before starting on her way back to the palace. Tenzin wavered, unsure of whether he should follow Tami and her cousin or not, until Tami's aunt made the decision for him and invited him to tea.
In the garden, Tami was being yanked to and fro by Zuko who, when asked where they were going, just demanded she walk faster. After several more minutes of pulling and dragging, they finally stopped before a large hedge that seemed to have no end in either direction. Tami turned to ask Zuko what he was showing her when he grabbed her hand, and started walking through the hedge, pulling Tami along too. There were a lot of thorns, and some branches that just didn't want to budge but when they finally wrenched free, the sight was worth it.
The first thing she noticed was the gigantic oak tree that stood at the edge of a small pond. It seemed golden yellow in the late afternoon sun, and the leaves were the bright green of spring. It's branches were low hanging and numerous, just inviting her to climb them, and tons of wild flowers littered across the spacious meadow. She could easily see herself writing or drawing here in privacy, without having to worry about Azula and her friends sneaking up behind her and ripping up the papers.
"It's awesome! How'd you find it?" Tami asked, turning away from the scene to face Zuko, who was grinning from ear to ear.
"Daeron, who's the head gardener, found me wandering through his flower beds, and decided to keep me out of his hair by showing me this little garden. I knew you'd love it, and I haven't stepped in here until you came."
Tami hugged Zuko, and bounced over to a low branch on the tree that was the perfect height to lounge in. "Thank you! I love it!"
So, ya, I wrote this. I know my writing style is quite amateur, I'll be improving upon it, I hope. Writing is more of a way for me to direct my own show though, you know? Teehee, that rhymed.
Anywho, thank you so much for reading, I'll try and update for those who like it! Please comment, it helps me.
Bye!
