Ami is raised in the Fire Nation & is an Ambassador for Fire Lord Zuko. She's on a mission w/ 3 purposes: help bring a sincere apology to the world. Find her missing family w/ her waterbending as her only clue. Uncover the deadly plot that threatens Zuko & his family to restore Ozai to the throne. This story takes place eighteen years after Zuko is named Fire Lord. The reason I decided to write this fanfiction was to fill in the gaps between A:TLA and A:LOK. It contains mostly OCs, but the major characters from the show are in it. The small characters, such as: Hahn, Yue, Master Piandao, and Jet have a much bigger impact in this story. I wanted to shed some light on what I think happened to some of them.
It is my first one that I've ever written out. It starts off a little slow, but I promise it will pick up. Please Read and Review. I would really appreciate any thoughts on this fanfiction. I wanted to test out my writing style and I thought this would be a good place to start. Thank you for your time and enjoy!
I am a huge fan of the shows. However, I do not own anything from Avatar: The Last Airbender or Legend of Korra, only the OC's I came up with.
Pronunciations
Ami: Ah-mEE
Tula: Too-la
Nolaan: No-lawn
It was still dark and the moon was in the sky. Ami got out of bed and opened her window, gazing at the brightness. The sense of calmness and strength comforted her. She took a deep breath through her nose and out of her mouth. Changing into her loose fitting wrap robe shirt and pants; she did her morning stretches before beginning her workout and meditation.
She worked her core, legs, arms, and back with various poses. She kept her breathing consistent and held the positions long enough to feel the burn. She focused on her mental and spiritual wellness as well as the physical. She made it through her routine and concluded it with supporting her body weight on her hands, with her feet straight up in the air. A knock on the door nearly broke her concentration. She was able to save herself from falling on her face and keep her body supported.
"Come in." Ami gritted through her struggle.
"Lady Ami, are you alright?" Celine, the house keeper, asked with concern as she opened the door. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were doing your workout."
Ami slowly lowered her legs down one at a time and took some deep closing breaths. She picked up the towel from the hook on her bathroom door and wiped the sweat away.
"Your mother would like you to join her for breakfast." Celine set out a robe and slippers.
"Wonderful, I will be right down. Thank you." Ami quickly bathed and dressed in the robe and slippers. She walked down the stairs and went to the dining room.
"Happy birthday!" Mila jumped from the table and rushed to hug her daughter.
"Thank you, mom." Ami smiled and returned the hug.
"Sit down and have some breakfast. Saina will be here an hour to help you get ready for the party."
The women sat down and a servant came and filled their plates with a simple meal and cups with tea. They discussed the finishing items for the party while they ate.
"I was informed by the cook that the food is being prepared and will be ready just as guests arrive." Mila checked off her list. "The garden is ready to be decorated. Once we finish here, I will direct the servants on where to put the decorations. Have you thought any more about how you would like your hair done?"
Ami sighed and set her tea cup down. She did give it some thought. However, since she had such different hair from all of her friends, all suggestions have not been helpful. She had long auburn red curly hair, with beige skin. She was the poster child for the pervious Fire Nation Colonies. Not that she would know for sure. All of her friends had dark hair and ivory skin. She was hoping the professional would know what to do. "I'm open to suggestions."
"Okay, when she gets here we can talk about it. Did you ask Celine to have what you are going to wear tonight washed and pressed?"
"Yes, it is hanging up in my closet."
"Good morning, ladies." Piandao poked his head into the dining room.
"Good morning, dad." Ami smiled.
"Mila, may way do it now? Before she gets whisked away until the party?" The sword master asked.
"That sounds perfect." Mila stood up and collected the list. "Would you come with us, Ami?"
Needless to say, their daughter was intrigued. Piandao led the way out of the house to his workshop.
"Ami, we are so happy that you are a part of our lives and honored to call you our daughter." Mila began. "Even since you came to us, you have been training with various weapons and working on your bending."
"Since you have chosen the sword, it has become a part of you." Piandao continued, putting an arm around his wife's shoulders. They stood side by side to give their blessing. "Tomorrow, under my supervision, you will forge your own sword. It will be built with the materials you desire. It will be a special sword, unlike any that you have ever worked with, because you will craft it."
"And once it is finished, we will take you to Republic City. There you will learn from waterbenders trained in the Northern, Southern and Swamp style. So you can learn about who you are, and have a little piece of who you've become." Mila could hardly hold in her excitement. "Happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday, Ami." Piandao smiled.
Ami was in awe. "Oh my goodness! Seriously! I get to make my own sword and learn how to waterbend from masters?! This is a dream come true!" she hugged both of her parents. "Thank you! I'm so excited. Can't we start today?"
"Not with the party tonight." Mila shook her head.
"Tomorrow will be soon enough." Piandao assured her. "Besides, your mother has been planning this party for months. I would like to make sure we both make it to your wedding day."
"Oh, you!" Mila shook her head and Ami laughed. "Now let's get inside. I'm sure Saina is almost here."
Ami hugged both of her parents one more time and thanked them. These gifts were so amazing. Finally, she would learn to control her natural element that is so much a mystery to her. She had mastered a few moves, ones that were memorized in her muscles. But without much knowledge of a foundation, she was not able to strengthen that part of her.
She had been begging her father to let her make her own sword for years. Ever since the first time she watched him make one, she wanted to be able to have one of her very own. She had assisted him in making many others, including swords that were given to the princess when the Fire Lord requested she learn another form of discipline other than bending. Ami's skill had vastly improved. However, when she would ask her father when she could, he would reply that she was not yet ready. After a few stern lectures, she learned that if she was patient the time would come.
And here it was. Already she was counting the hours until she would get to start crafting. She had drawn up many designs in the past to prepare herself. Looking at them now, she did not care for any of them.
Ideally she would have started drawing right then. Her mother had other plans. No sooner had they returned to the house, Saina arrived. Ami was rushed up to the washroom and instructed to use special products on her skin and in her hair. She came out of the bath feeling clean, exfoliated, and refreshed.
Saina went right to work on her hair. They had met before and worked on her mother's hair so she knew what she was working with. Before long, her hair was dry and ready for action. Ami expressed that she did not want to hide her curls. She was pressured by a few people to try to straighten her hair. And that idea did not suit well. She was proud of her curls, proud of herself, and would not hide who she was. She was not raised to be ashamed that she was different from everyone else in the Fire Nation. She liked being unique.
While she waited for her hair to be styled, Ami used an ink stick to draw up a new design for her sword. She discarded a few pieces of paper, unhappy with the results. She had finally decided on a combining two of her favorite ones to create the best design.
It was a traditional katana design. It would be a steal blade, forty inches long, with the moon engraved on both sides. The handle would be wrapped with blue, green and white tsukamaki. The blue symbolizes the ocean, the waterbending that rests inside of her. The green symbolizes her growth, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The white is symbolic to the Moon Spirit with her guiding light and purity.
"Alright, I'm finished." Saina announced. She handed Ami a small mirror and instructed her to use it to look in the big mirror. She would be able to see her hair from all angles. "What do you think?"
Saina really liked the change of pace with Ami's hair. She suggested that instead of taming the curls, she would pin back the front to keep it out of her face. The rest would be down. Then add the jeweled head piece that sparkled in her hair and down over her forehead.
"It's perfect! I love it!" Ami smiled. This day just keeps getting better and better. She thought. "Thank you very much."
"Now we have to do your makeup."
An hour later, Ami was standing in front of the mirror. Her outfit was teal a crop top, the skirt rested on her hips and just a couple inches off the floor. There was a long golden and sparkling sash that wrapped over her shoulder and partially covered her belly. She wore her tooth necklace and a single silver bangle on her wrist. With her hair and makeup done, she felt like a mystical spirit.
She could hardly recognize herself. The woman staring back at her was more than beautiful. She was stunning. Ami never thought of herself as ugly or unattractive. Being of a different nationality than all of her friends, she stood out like a sore thumb. Her mother and father helped her understand that yes, she has a different background than everyone else. But that did not make her any less special or important. She was unique and should be proud of herself.
"Oh, Ami! You look amazing!" Mila was standing in the door of the bedroom. "You were always beautiful, but today you are radiant."
Ami blushed. "Thank you."
"Now that you are ready, would you come downstairs to get your father and I greet our guests. A few of the duelists have arrived. Saina, can I send someone to come and help you so you can come and enjoy the party?"
"No, thank you, m'lady." Saina shook her head. "I just have a little tidying up to do. I will be right down."
"Please stay and celebrate with us?" Mila asked.
"I would be honored."
Mila and Ami made their way down stairs, and found Piandao greeting more guests. The women joined him in the greeting and having the servants escort them out the back doors to the white lotus rock garden. It was transformed into a small sword jousting arena with multiple rows of chairs circled around it.
The castle was built on a plateau overlooking the lush green cliffs of the mountains and the rushing river. A cool breeze was a relief from the scorching hot temperature. It was all mesmerizing.
Food and drink were being served to the guests as they laughed, mingled, and admiring the scenery. The garden was starting to fill up with people and all of the duelists arrived. Almost everyone was accounted for.
Piandao kissed his wife on her cheek and his daughter's head. "I'm going to see to the duelists, and I will meet you at our seats."
"Is everyone here?" Mila asked one of the servants, whom shook her head.
"Not yet. Tula-" Ami began but was cut off.
The door burst open and Tula came running in. "Happy birthday!"
Ami sighed with relief and hugged her friend. Tula has been her best friend for as long as she could remember. "I'm so glad you're here!"
"Sorry, you know I'm never on time for anything!" Tula explained.
"Yeah, she's going to be late to her own funeral." A male voice called from outside.
"As opposed to being early?" asked another.
"Nolaan!" Ami was even more excited. She had a crush on Nolaan for a while now and only Tula knew about it. He brought his closest friend from the academy, Wos. "You brought Wos with you too! Thank you for coming!"
Ami went to grade school with Tula and Nolaan. As they grew into adulthood, Nolaan went off to the naval officer academy. Ami and Tula went to the University political science and communications. They made a point of spending free time together when they could. As time went on, it was getting harder and harder to do that.
They last time they were all together was during the winter festival. They went out on the town with more friends from school. That was when Ami and Tula met Wos for the first time. It was one of the best festivals she ever experienced.
"Wonderful! Tula and Nolaan are here! Come in, come in! Tula, they other dancers are upstairs finishing getting ready. And who is this?" Mila motioned as Tula went around her and ascended the stairs.
"Mom, this is Nolaan's friend Wos from the academy." Ami explained.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Wos." Mila smiled. "The tournament is in the white lotus rock garden. There is food and drink being served, as well as chairs for you to watch the dueling once it begins. Wos, I will have a chair ready for you as well."
"Thank you." Wos bowed to Mila.
Nolaan bowed as well and quickly hugged Ami. "Happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday, Ami" Wos also hugged her and then followed his friend out to the garden.
Ami blushed and smiled as she watched Nolaan walk away.
Mila picked up on this and smiled at her daughter. "Nolaan is a nice boy."
"Yeah." Ami's smile grew.
"Is he single?"
"I think so."
"Hm." Mila nodded. Ami turned and looked at her mom skeptically. Before she could say anything, Mila started walking toward the door. "Shall we take our seats, birthday girl?"
Everyone was seated circled around the white lotus training floor awaiting the start of the tournament. The duelists were waiting patiently for their turn. Ami, her family and close friends were seated with an empty chair for Tula, on the rear balcony of the house overlooking the facility as well as the beautiful mountains, the river, and the valley.
Master Piandao stood from his chair on the balcony and waited for the crowed to be silent. "Welcome and thank you all for coming today to celebrate my daughter Ami's eighteenth birthday. Upon her request, we are happy to host a tournament, welcome to anyone who wishes to participate. The winner will receive an honorary medal and a hand crafted sword made by me and my daughter." Servants held up each item as he motioned to them. "As well as a tournament, there will be a feast in her honor."
Everyone clapped and cheered. "To open our tournament, the dancers of Mu Sing Academy will perform a number from their spring show."
Seven classical firebending female dancers centered themselves on the lotus pattern of the floor. Ami's friend Tula was a bender and apart of the performance. They were dressed in flowing chiffon dresses of various colors. They told a story of celebration of life with the coming of spring.
They music started out slow and soft with string instruments, horns, flutes, and gentle drumming. The dancers came to life one by one, like flowers blooming out of the snow. With a pause in the music, the dancers greeted the audience with grace and poise. Tula smiled up at Ami, who grinned back anxiously.
BOOM!
The drums and horns rang out loudly and the dancers exploded into action. Their movements were quick, precise, and agile. Everyone clapped, oooh'd and ahh'd over the graceful movements of the dancers and their bending. It was truly wondrous. They received a standing ovation when they concluded their performance. Ami was so proud of her friend Tula, who was on cloud nine about the attention in the final pose.
The dancers cleared the floor and the dueling master of ceremony stepped into the center of the floor.
"This sword jousting tournament will be held with the rules of single elimination after the best of three rounds of dueling." The Master of Ceremony explained. The two swordsmen entered the floor on opposite ends and came to stand at the center with him. "From the first bracket, swordsmen Mackin and Li-; how do you say your name, young man?"
"It's Ligh, as in light but without the 'T'." The swordsman explained.
"Thank you,' the master of ceremony smiled. "From the first bracket, swordsmen Mackin and Ligh will be the first to joust."
They bowed low, maintaining eye contact with each other. The master stepped out of the way but remained close enough to referee the duel. The ring of the bell sounded and they sprung into action.
"What did I miss?" Tula asked, taking her seat next to Ami.
"The Master of Ceremony just announced who was dueling." Ami explained.
"Who is who?"
"Mackin is the one dressed in all black. Ligh is the one in orange."
Mackin was able to defeat Ligh in the first two rounds. It was pretty clear who the more practiced swordsmen were by how quickly the preliminary duels ended. There were four preliminary duels. Once they were completed, the Master of Ceremony announced the secondary duels. They would be more evenly matched and more exciting.
The first was a little more aggressive. Getting minor injuries are expected in tournaments like this. One of the duelists received a decent slice on his bicep. With the break in his concentration and strength, he was defeated by his opponent.
The second was a nail biter. It was by far the longest duel and went to all three rounds. That had only occurred in two of the four preliminaries. Both were getting tired and started to slow down when one tripped over his own feet. Losing his balance also lost him a shot in the final duel.
After the secondary duels, there was a small intermission. The two remaining duelists, Mackin and Odom were given the opportunity to rest a little before the final.
The final duel was between Mackin and Odom. They bowed and took their stances. The bell rung and they began circling each other. The air was thick with tension and all of a sudden, the attacked each other. They swung their blades and they clashed loudly. One would strike high, and the other would block. When someone struck low, they were blocked again. They battled for another few minutes when Mackin lost his footing and Odom took advantage of that. He closed the distance and knocked Mackin on his back and pointed the tip of his sword at his throat. The first round was over and went to Odom.
Each opponent took a drink of water and wiped away the sweat. They came to the center and got into their stances and waited for the bell. It rang loudly. Odom let out a battle cry and ran full force at Mackin. He blocked the attack and swung back. Odom jumped back and was forced to keep back stepping. He went far enough to get out of range and leaped forward again. This time, Mackin was ready and tripped him to fall on his stomach. Mackin kicked Odom sword out of his hand, ending the second round.
Odom stood up and nodded to the master of ceremony. Mackin also nodded, signaling they were ready to start the final round. Both duelists were breathing heavily. The bell rang for the last time through the crowd. Mackin advanced his attack wildly. Odom blocked and spun out of range. Mackin advanced again and again. Odom blocked every attack. Both were focused only on each other, not hearing the cheers from crowd. They spun in and out of each other's reach, battling high and low. They were becoming more resourceful of their surroundings. Mackin used the tip of his sword to flick dirt up into Odom's face. This was legal, but a dirty move. This caused him to cough and he closed his eyes. Mackin took the opportunity to knock away his sword and forced him to his knee. The third and final round went to Mackin. He grinned down a Odom, but helped him to his feet.
The master of ceremony stepped between them and help Mackin's arm in the air. "The winner!"
The crowd roared and jumped to their feet. Mackin waved to the crowd loving the attention. Ami accepted the medal from the servant and Piandao picked up the sword before accompanying Mila to the lotus floor. When they arrived, the master of ceremony instructed Mackin to kneel.
"Ami and I crafted this sword for the winner of the tournament. The blade is made of iron from the earth kingdom and the handle is hand carved from a special stone from the Western Air Temple. Use it well." Piandao presented the sword to the young man.
Ami stepped forward and draped the medal around Mackin's neck. "Congratulations on your victory."
"Do I get a congratulatory kiss from the beautiful hostess?" Mackin boldly asked.
Ami blushed and bit her lip to keep from laughing. She glanced at her parents to see their reaction. Piandao raised one eyebrow at his past pupil, and Mila was flabbergasted. Piandao looked at his daughter before nodding.
"I don't think my father would like it if my mother kissed you." Ami smiled, Mila laughed with her daughter, Piandao shook his head.
Mackin smirked at her, "Well how about a kiss from you?"
She thought about her answer before she spoke. "I'll kiss you…" Everyone was surprised by her answer. "If you defeat me in a duel." The crowd oooh'd at her challenge.
"Fight you?" It was Mackin's turn to be surprised. "But you're a girl."
"Yes, that was the consensus the last time I checked." Ami smirked back.
"Master Piandao?" Mackin looked his old master for help.
Piandao glanced at his wife. She looked annoyed at the young man, but was satisfied that her daughter called his bluff. "The offer has been made."
Mackin stood and bowed to Ami. "I accept your challenge."
"Very well." Ami bowed back. She turned and went to one of the tents at the far end of the floor. Mila sent a servant to fetch Ami's training clothes and returned to her seat with Piandao. Ami quickly changed her clothes and stretched her muscles.
Mackin waited for her for about ten minutes. He was getting restless and excited about this duel. When she came out, he checked her out from head to toe. He noted his favorite parts of a woman and silently approved of Ami. He was a few years older than her, and knew her during her awkward preteen years. She grew into a beautiful unique young woman. Any man would appreciate what she had to physically offer.
Finally they both approached the center of the floor and bowed. The master of ceremony rang the bell and the duel began.
Ami wasted no time. As soon as the bell rang, she rushed forward and attacked. This surprised Mackin. He looked a little taken aback that she would be so swift with her movements and forced him to take several steps back. She was graceful and fluid, like the ocean. She came at him, wave after wave of strength and power. Her speed kept him on edge. She came at him from all angles.
He was able to block her without much struggle. He wanted to see what she was capable of. He loosened his grip the handle and let her fling it out of his grasp. He grinned at her as the bell rang out, ending the first round.
Ami raised her brow at him. She knew that he let her win and she did not appreciate that. However, she held back her skill and only gave him a taste of what she could do. She shook her head at him, letting him know that she knew what he did. He only grinned wider. She assumed that Mackin thought he would wipe the floor with her, but held back on the first round to appease her. He wanted to try to win her over so he let her win.
DING!
The second round began. They circled each other for a moment. Ami was determined to be patient this time. He swung high to crash down on from above. Ami used both hands to block. He stepped close so they could feel each other's labored breaths. He smiled down at her again, while she remained passive.
With as much strength as she could muster, she pushed him back. She hoped that he would stagger back and she could attack him again. Instead, her feet came out from under her and she fell on her back. He was about to disarm her when she rolled away and jumped to her feet. He attacked again and again, circling her like a wolf snake. She was able to keep up with his speed and block him. He kicked out his foot just enough that as she was stepping backwards she tripped again and landed on her back. He jumped on her abdomen and held his sword under her chin. The second round went to Mackin.
He helped her to her feet and winked at her. She rolled her eyes at him and went back to her starting position. He was a talented swordsmen, she would give him that. But he was also arrogant. He was so confident in himself making him overly cocky. That was his downfall. She was regretting her offer to kiss him if he won. She knew that he did not really care about her. He just wanted to have bragging rights about her.
Ding! The third and final round.
Now Mackin took his chance and charged at her. She blocked him and stepped out of his way as he ran a little past her. He came again and she spun and blocked to try to get out of his reach. With her sword above her head, he took an opening and snapped the flat part of his blade against her backside. Half of the crowd laughed and the other was dead silent. Ami's face flushed at his boldness and he smirked at her. Her patience was gone. He must have been a real pompous jerk if he thought by humiliating her further would win him any favors.
Ami circled him, and would not let her rage show. She stepped in his reach on purpose to make him come to her. He fell for it. He stepped to her, and she nicked his shoulder. He was shocked that she would actually harm him. Blood started to fall down from the wound. It was not a deep cut or very long, but the message was received.
He was angry that she got the better of him and he lashed out. He came at her from many different angles and forced her to step back. She blocked him and shoved him away. He staggered back and purposely dug the tip of his blade in the ground and flung dust and dirt in her face. She knew that he would likely do something like this to her, but she thought he would be a little more original the second time around.
Ami stepped back and chose not to wipe her face clean. She closed her eyes and listened for her opponent. He was trying to right himself as he watched to see what she would do. He took a deep breath and charged at her with a loud battle cry.
She remained still for him to get close enough. She dropped low and used his weight against him. His feet went flying over his head, landing on his side, and his sword went out of reach. Ami opened her eyes to see where he ended up and pinned him to the ground with the tip of her sword at his throat.
The bell rang out and the crowd cheered and clapped. Ami was not satisfied with the win. She did not like humiliate people nor be the once to pass judgment on someone. However, Mackin had agitated her more than anyone else in a long time. She looked down at him and held out a hand to him. He was trying really hard to not glare at her when he accepted her help. It was equally hard for her.
They bowed to each other again, Mackin silently seething that he was beaten by a girl. She walked over to the master of ceremony and took the prize sword. She represented it to Mackin who at first refused.
"You beat me." Mackin shook his head and lowered his gaze to the ground. "It's yours."
"I don't want it. I made this for the winner of the tournament, not myself." She forced it into his hand. She whispered to him so only they could hear. "I would have said yes, you know."
Mackin looked into her unique eyes bewildered.
"I would have kissed you as you asked, if you would not have embarrassed me in front of all of my guests." Ami explained. "Girls don't like to be made a fool of." Mackin nodded his understanding. She plastered a smile on her face and turned toward the crowed. She took his hand and raised it in the air. "Your winner, ladies and gentlemen!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and clapping. Ami was leaving the floor when looked up to her parents who were smiling down at her and clapping. The sight of the people behind them caused her to stop in her tracks.
Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai were looking down on her from the balcony with their eight year old daughter and retired general Iroh.
Piandao and Mila noticed their daughter's sudden change in demeanor and followed her gaze behind them. They hurriedly stood from their chairs and bowed at to the royal family. When they rose, they turned and smiled warmly down at Ami. They spoke for a couple minutes then lead the guests inside.
All the guests saw the encounter. As soon as they departed, the crowd erupted into conversation. Tula, Nolaan, and Wos all looked down to Ami with questioning looks. Ami shrugged and shook her head. Ami went into the tent to change back into her party wear. She checked her appearance in the mirror before returning to the celebration.
The sun was going down and the sky was getting dark. Celine had the servants begin to light the lanterns and torches. The White Lotus Rock Garden became the congregation area. The musicians began a gentle ballad and some guests began dancing. Others ate and drank as refreshments were offered to them. Ami mingled with her guests while she waited for her parents to emerge from their meeting.
