DISCLAIMER : I do not own avatar the last airbender.

Note : This particular chapter would be way longer than the others, as this will be the last one on when Katara's 9-10 years old. I don't want to write too many chapters of when she's young, as I want this whole story to mainly focus on when Katara and Zuko are at their teenage/young adult years. So I won't take it too long as it could get a bit boring.

Also, the first scene of this chapter would be in present tense. I was testing if it would be better to write it in present, rather than in past. I've just noticed that if you're writing as the narrator, you're supposed to write in present. So I'm still not sure about this, please leave a review after reading.

CHAPTER 7 – Best Birthday Present

A month later…

After a long day of training and studying, Katara decides to write her diary. She's so happy with the book that Kana had brought for her. Kana told Katara that she should have a private diary, so that she could pour out all her thoughts and feelings, without anyone knowing about it. Katara thought that it's a great idea. And so, almost every night before bed, she would spend a bit of time to write. Before she writes her diary, Katara thinks back about the past few weeks.

She had been living her life as a fire nation princess for the past month. She thinks that it wasn't so bad, even though… it got boring sometimes. They're so strict when it comes to studying, training, and so on. They take punctuality way too seriously. She's a carefree child. She likes freedom more than anything. And so, whenever she got the chance to take a break, she would go to the garden or to the library.

Every weekdays have it's own routine. Morning breakfast in her bedroom, waterbending training, break and bath time, lunchtime, studying and studying, break time, studying again, dinner, then bedtime. On weekends however, the kids were given all the free time they could get. She had spent those days mostly with Zuko, as Azula was usually too busy with herself with… whatever it was.

Katara had also met Ty Lee and Mai a few times, and apparently… she got along with them pretty well. In fact, ironically, she became quite good friends with Mai. They especially became friends when Mai saw that Katara was good at ink writing, which was Mai's interest as well. Katara then found out that Mai wasn't really a quiet girl. She's just not used to socialize properly as her parents taught her not to speak, unless spoken to. Katara felt rather pity for her.

Katara also met Lu Ten, and actually hanged out a bit with him. He seemed okay to her, even though she felt a bit weird by the way he tried to talk to her sometimes. Lu Ten just wanted to know her better, but sometimes Katara felt a bit uneasy about it. Especially, when Lu Ten kept saying about how big and blue her eyes were, and how that could be possible. Katara did notice that whenever Lu Ten asked her to play with him, Zuko would get cranky and scrunched up his nose.

"Hah… what a month" Katara says to herself, as she lays her back on the chair, "I should start writing my diary now…" She opens up her diary book, and dips her quill into the tiny inkpot.

Dear Diary,

Life here isn't so bad after all. Yes it gets soo boring sometimes, ugh. I like history class, but gosh…why does have to always be boring and grumpy. I especially love art class, I love painting a lot! Anyway, I still can't deny the fact that Master Guang still treats Zuko poorly. I notice that Zuko got better a bit each time he practiced. So I don't know what's the deal with Guang really. But hey, I admit it that Azula has a natural talent for firebending.

Hmm what else… oh yeah, my mom. Ursa. Without her, I would probably lose it already. She really does treat me like her own daughter. She told me that I am her daughter no matter what, as long as… well, that's okay with me. I'm totally fine with it though, she's the only one I could call my 'mom' anyway. But that doesn't matter if she's not my real parent. She's a true mom for me, and I cherish her for that. Unlike… Ozai… he rarely played with us.

One thing I've also noticed… It's weird how I'm not his real daughter but more than once, he noticed me even more than Zuko. Something's weird going on with these people towards Zuko. Oh well, I can't really say much.

I also remember 2 weeks ago, when we all went to Ember Island for vacation. Mom took us to see a show called, "Love Amongst The Dragons". I love that show! I think it's sweet, but Zuko said that the players always "butchered" the play. Azula easily got bored. It seems that it's so hard to make her happy or interested in something. I don't even know what she likes, other than… destroying and burning things.

Huh what else, oh yeah! The food here is really GOOD! I especially looove the roasted duck and komodo chicken dumplings. Ah yes, and my new friends Ty Lee and Mai. Ty Lee seems so happy all the time. She said that her aura has never been pinker, whatever that means… Mai, well… she's still the same. But I like spending time with her. We like to teach each other ink writing, it's fun! Lastly, 2 months more and it's my birthday! I'm so happy and nervous bout it. It would be my first birthday in the fire nation. I wonder how it would be like… Anyway, time for bed!

And with that, Katara closes her diary and yawns. She walks towards her bed and closes her eyes. Minutes later, and she still can't fall asleep. Her head is so clouded with thoughts about how her birthday will be. Will it even be celebrated? Or not?


2 months later…

Katara woke up in the morning with a surprise, as her bedroom door was suddenly opened. Ursa came in with a big smile on her face, holding a birthday cake with ten glowing candles on the top. Zuko also carried some small plates, cake forks, and a small knife. Zuko was smiling and cheering, while Azula just mindlessly walked inside.

Katara scratched her eyes with her knuckles, and sat up straighter on the bed. Ursa put the birthday cake on the bed in front of Katara, and started to sing happy birthday. Zuko joined in while clapping his hands cheerfully. While Azula… she just slowly clapped her hands and stared at the cake the whole time.

After they're finished singing, Katara beamed happily. She then slowly closed her eyes and made a wish, before blowing the candles. "Wow you guys, thank you sooo much! I wasn't expecting this at all!"

"Oh c'mon Katara, it's your birthday after all! You're our family, remember? It's a must that we celebrate it! Right, mom?" said Zuko, as he looked up to Ursa.

"Why, yes of course! You're my daughter Katara… why won't I celebrate it. Why won't WE celebrate it. You should prepare yourself soon. We will be having a special party just for you!" Ursa said, as she sat on the bed's edge besides Katara, and pulled her into an embrace.

"Oh a party? Really? Wow, I can't wait! Who will be there?" Katara asked as she dipped her forefinger into the creamy cake a bit, and licked it. Oh my goodness! I've never tasted a cake so delicious! Katara thought to herself.

Somehow, Ursa seemed a bit… thoughtful for the moment before speaking up. "Darling, well… since you're part of our royal family now, your dad wanted the party to be a bit... private. So if you're thinking about your friends coming, that would be impossible. So there would only be us, General Iroh, and his son, Lu Ten"

Katara looked a bit sad for the moment. She was hoping that Mai and Ty Lee would come and play together. "I see… that's okay. But… what about grandpa? I've never seen him. Not even once" Katara just realized that she had never seen FireLord Azulon yet. She even started to wonder if he's even a real person or not.

"Busy, busy, busy. Always busy" Azula answered all of the sudden, as she crossed her hands on her chest and stared to the wall. "Ugh anyway…" Azula yawned and turned on her heels, "I'll be seeing you this evening... sister. I'm also quite busy today"

Ursa's eyes widened with surprised on how Azula behaved. "What is wrong with that child?" said Ursa under her breath. She slowly turned back to look at Katara with an apologetical face. "I'm so sorry. Anyway, I have some business to attend too. So I will be seeing you this evening, okay dear? There will be preesentss!" she said, as she bumped her nose with Katara's nose.

Katara giggled, "Okay then mom, I'll be waiting"

Ursa hugged Katara tightly, "I'll see you, love you dear" Ursa slowly pulled away, and walked out of the room. Now, Zuko was left alone in the room with Katara.

"Wow… this cake is really big. Won't you mind sharing it with me?" asked Katara as she looked at her white and blue birthday cake. "And why is the cake white and blue? Shouldn't be red or something, like everything else in this nation?"

Katara was about to dip her finger again but stopped, as Zuko told her, "Stop, wait! I bring some plates here, look! Here…" Zuko sat on the bed with Katara, as he laid the plates and other tools. "Here you go, a plate for you and me! And yes, well… since this is your first birthday in the fire nation, mom wanted it to be special at least. She told the chef to make it blue, just like you!"

"Bu-but I'm not blue, Zuko!" Katara looked at Zuko with a surprised look on her face.

Zuko's eyes widened a bit, "Oh no-no! That's not what I meant! I mean, you're from the water tribe. And everything is white and blue, right? So mom told the chef to make something that represents that"

Zuko helped Katara slicing the cake, and put it on each other's plate. Katara began eating the delicious cake, and she began to wonder, "Hmm this is weird… all the food here is usually spicy. But, I taste no spiciness at all"

"Well, mom, mm-yummy… knows that mmm water tribe people don't cook something spicy, sooo… m-yeah!" explained Zuko, while chewing a mouth full of cake. "Oh yeah and, since today is your birthday… we will be free the whole day! Meaning, no training, no classes! Isn't that great?! What do you wanna do while waiting for tonight's party?"

"Hmm… I'm not really sure. Let's just go to the library, we'll see if there's anything interesting to read. Or we could play games. Or if we get bored we could go to the garden!" Katara said as she put aside her plate.

"Alright then, sounds interesting" Zuko put aside all the plates, tools, and the cake to a nearby table. "The servants will clean that up, no need to worry"

"Okay sure thing. Anyway, I'm gonna take a bath first and get ready. You go ahead to the library, I'll catch you up quickly"


As Katara was finished with herself, she immediately changed to one of her best everyday outfit. She walked towards her bedroom door hurriedly, but stopped as it cracked opened a bit. Kana peaked into the room, and found Katara starring at her right in front of her.

"Oh, Katara! Were you just going to go out now?" Kana asked as she opened the door wider, but didn't step into the room.

"Yes, Zuko's waiting for me in the library. We're gonna hangout together until my party this evening. Is something wrong, Kana?" asked Katara while tilting her head to the side.

Kana stepped aside and gestured for Katara to come out. Kana closed the door and said, "Nah it's okay. I just want to wish you a happy happy birthday. I hope your wishes will come true, and happiness is always there with you. I really do want to give you something but… I have nothing"

"Aaw, thanks a lot Kana!" Katara crashed herself to Kana, and hugged her tightly. "And please, don't worry about it! Thank you so much Kana. For taking care of me, and teaching me waterbending too"

Kana held back her tears as she realized that sooner or later, she must let Katara go. Kana hugged Katara back and stroke her hair softly, "No need to thank me. Now you have a mother, Lady Ursa. You should thank her. I'm just here helping. Go now, Prince Zuko doesn't really like waiting too long" said Kana with a smile on her face.

Katara walked through the long hallways. She was so excited for her first birthday party in the fire nation. Huh I wonder… what kind of presents would I get? I wonder how many. Who will give me presents? Katara thought to herself. She began paying attention to the details of her surroundings. She never thought that she would call the fire nation her home. She never even thought that the royal family would be her own family.

Katara noticed that almost every hallways and rooms that she went into, were usually dark and gloomy. Most of the hallways didn't even have windows. Good thing that right in front of her room, there was a tall big window in the hallway. She finally had come to a stop in front of the library. She opened the door and went it.

She saw two figures sitting on red cushions in front of the fireplace, focusing on some board game she didn't recognize of. "Zuko? General Iroh?"

Zuko's head snapped up and then smiled widely as he realized whom it was, "Ohey, Katara! Come over here! Uncle is teaching me his boring board game called, Pai Sho"

"Hey now, nephew. This game is fun! It takes a lot of patience, but it makes you smart!" exclaimed Iroh, and sipped on his hot dragon jasmine tea.

Katara giggled and walked towards them, she sat on a cushion next to Zuko. "So, what is this game abou-"

"Hey, Zuko! Oh… Katara!" Lu Ten was surprised to see Katara in the library, as he suddenly barged into the room. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you're here… um Zuko, your mom wants to see you, now. Oh and, in private" he said.

"Is… something wrong?" Katara started to feel anxious and worried.

"Aw maann, I was just about to spend time with Katara… oh well. And no, nothing is wrong. It's a surprise!" Zuko said, winking. "Guess I'll see you later this evening" He then left Katara and Iroh alone in the room.

Katara now felt a bit awkward, as she never talked much or spend time with Iroh. Iroh was usually away, busy dealing with business and meetings over sea. So Katara rarely saw him in the palace "So… General Iroh, I won-"

"My dear, please just call me Iroh. Or Uncle, if you will" said Iroh with a big grin on his face. "Do you want a cup of tea? I brewed this tea myself! I'll also teach you how to play this game if you want to"

"Yes please! Thanks, uncle. And wow, I didn't know you could make tea. So uncle, if it's okay… may I know what it's like being out there? In the war?" Katara asked, while accepting the teacup Iroh gave to her.

Iroh looked a bit grimed for the moment, "Sorry Katara, but… it's not something nice to talk about. Not with me, but with you. When you're older, you'll understand more"

Katara just nodded. Iroh thought to himself that Katara really was a smart girl. She's smarter than she looked like. Iroh even wished to himself that one day, Katara would find out the 'truth' by herself. "But, you see Katara… even when things seemed bad or wrong. There's always a light in it. Or, something unusual would happen. I do believe there's 'beauty' in dark places" Iroh added while sipping on his tea.

Katara wondered for a moment what that did mean, "Huh, I don't quite… understand, uncle. Do you mean something like, a rainbow after the storm?"

"My, my dear. You really are wise for such a young girl" Iroh smiled, as he poured himself another cup of tea.


That evening, Kana had told Katara to get ready for her birthday party. Kana had also brought a new formal dress for her. Katara was then led to a ballroom, where everybody was waiting there to surprise her.

When Katara went into the ballroom, she was greeted with cheering faces and a happy birthday song, except… for Ozai and Azula. They just mindlessly slow clapped with a forced tiny smile on their faces. There were also servants here and there, some of them were holding golden food trays.

The ballroom was the biggest room she had ever went into, although she bet the throne room would be bigger. The room was decorated with many plants and flowers. Red velvet ribbons spiraled around on each pillars in the room. There were also fire sconces, hanging from the pillars. The room was illuminated by the moonlight, as it penetrated through the windows, from between the dark red curtains. In the middle of the room was a long dinner table, filled with many kinds of food.

"Happy birthday, Kataraa!" cheered Ursa, Zuko, Iroh, and Lu Ten.

Katara widened her eyes and brought her palms to her mouth, as she gasped a little. She was so happy that they actually planned this all through, and surprised her with such a luxurious birthday party. Katara never thought that they would actually do this for her. She thought that even though she's part of the fire nation royalty, they wouldn't bother to make her happy. Let alone celebrating her birthday.

"Happy birthday, dear. I wish you all the best and happiness in this world. I wish you luck and abundance. May all your wishes come true" said Ursa, as she walked towards Katara and pulled her into a tight hug. Upon witnessing this, Zuko clapped his hands cheerfully, while Azula just flinched and looked away.

Ozai slowly walked towards Katara as well, and looked down on her. He put his right hand on Katara's left shoulder and said, "May you make us proud, and not fail us. And may you be a decent and talented daughter, of the fire nation"

As Ozai had said his 'statement', everyone went quiet and tense. Everything seemed so silent and awkward now, that Katara didn't know what to really feel. Katara just bowed her head a bit and looked back up to him, "Ye-yes father. I will not fail you. I will make you proud"

"Ah well then, shall we?" Ursa stepped in closer and offered her hand to Katara. "Don't want all the food to get cold, do we? I've asked the chef personally to make all of your favorite dishes!"

Ursa, Ozai, and Iroh, took seat next to each other. Katara and the other kids sat next to each other, across the table from their parents. Katara sat between Zuko and Lu Ten, while Azula sat next to Zuko's right side. They all ate in silence at first, but then Iroh began to start having a conversation with basically… everyone.

Iroh had also asked Katara about her studies, waterbending training, and so on. When Iroh asked Zuko about his training, Azula immediately cut in to taunt and embarrass him. She kept saying how pathetic and weak he was, and that he couldn't do anything right. Katara noticed that all the while they're having this conversation, Ozai didn't even look up and continued eating his meal. He seemed… annoyed and disappointed somehow. For a second, Katara saw Ozai grimaced when Azula pointed out on how much of a failure Zuko was.

After they all had their dinner and desert, Ursa signaled a servant nearby to bring Katara's presents. Three servants came back, each holding a box with red ribbons. Katara's eyes widened with surprised. They all stood up, and stood close next to each other.

"These are your birthday presents, sweety" said Ursa, as she outstretched her palm to show Katara the presents. "Come over here and open them"

Katara walked towards the first servant, she took the box and shaked it a bit. Ursa was shocked for a moment, "Oh no-no, dear. Don't shake it, it's delicate and quiet fragile. Just open it"

"Oh so-sorry…" said Katara, embarrassed by her own childish behavior. She pulled the red ribbon, and slowly opened the box's lid. There was a letter, and another velvet black box in it. She decided to open the letter first and read it.

Dear Katara,

We're happy to have you as a member of the royal fire nation family. We hope that you will grow up into a talented and decent young lady. May all your wishes come true, and may you make us all proud.

Your family,

Ozai, Ursa, Zuko, and Azula

Katara then took the tiny box and opened it. Inside the box's red velvet pillow, laid a beautiful golden dragon bracelet. Its head eating its own tail, with red rubies on its eyes. "Oh myy… this is so beautiful!" Katara gasped as she inspected the bracelet.

"We're glad that you like it. It was designed by the best designer, and It's been crafted by the best craftsman. With all the best material quality as well. We really do hope that you're happy with your stay here… with us, as your new family, and home" said Ursa, with a big warm smile on her face.

"Thanks a lot!" Katara then moved to the next present. She took the box from the servant's outstretched hands and opened it. Inside the box was a beautiful hand crafted fan with a letter too. She first took the letter and read it.

Dear Katara,

Happy birthday, my beautiful niece! I hope for all your wishes to come true. May your life be full of happiness, abundance, and luck! I wish I could give you something much better, but sadly, I was too busy in war. This was the only worth present I could find while I was away. This fan was hand crafted by one of the best craftsman in the Earth Kingdom. I hope you like it!

From your tea loving uncle,

Iroh

Katara smiled widely as she put aside the letter, and took the fan from inside the box. The fan's frame was made from Ebony, with gold carvings and some jewels on it. She opened the fan, and it was a transparent dark green with a painting of flowers. It also had some gold dusts around it. Katara was so marveled by it, she had never seen such artistic fan before.

"My goodness, this is just way too pretty! Oh thanks a lot, uncle!" Katara beamed with happiness as she ran towards Iroh, and hugged him tightly. Upon seeing this, Azula felt her stomach sick. She's not used to see such happy loving gestures in the family. Every time she saw anyone would hug or embrace someone, she felt weird and somehow… a bit disgusted.

"Haha, now now. Anything for my dear niece! I'm glad you like my present!" Iroh said happily, then bent his body closer to Katara as to whisper, "but I bet not as much as my teaa!" Katara just nodded and chuckled.

Katara went to the last present box and opened it. Inside, was a magenta velvety box with a letter. She took the letter and read it.

Dear Katara,

First of all, happy birthday! Second, I hope you'll be happy staying with us! I hope you could truly feel comfortable by calling this your home. May your wishes come true as well. Oh and, I found this amazing thing while I was away with dad in the Earth Kingdom. They really do love craftsmanship and jewelries. Hope you like this one! Psstt, I hope you like mine better than dad's hahaha.

Yours truly,

Lu Ten

Katara blushed a little as she realized it was from Lu Ten. She took a quick glance towards him, and saw that he was looking at her with such expectation. Katara then took the magenta box, and opened it. Inside, was a beautiful crafted silver butterfly brooch. It had several sapphires and opals on its wings.

Wow, first thing I saw that isn't gold or red. It's so beautiful though. Somehow it makes me feel… calm and safe. It reminds me of… Katara then decided to just stop thinking about the past. It's not like she could remember anything anyway, so it's useless and pointless. She must focus on the present now. She had a new home, new family, and things seemed okay.

Katara walked towards Lu Ten and nodded her head a bit, "Th-thanks, Lu Ten. I really lik-"

"Wait, you got a present from Lu Ten?" Zuko suddenly asked, his tone came out a bit harsher than he thought it would.

"Ye-yes. He gave me a brooch, look…" Katara showed the brooch to Zuko, "It's really lovely, I like it a lot" she continued.

Zuko scoffed and looked away, "Hmph, yeah. It's 'nice'"

Lu Ten raised an eyebrow, looking at Zuko weirdly. "Uh okayy? Anyway…" he then turned his head towards Katara and smiled warmly, "I'm really really glad that you like it. I just wanted to give you something as well and, I was kind of… confused of what to give you. I didn't really know what you like soo, I was walking pass this jewelry shop and found that brooch. I thought it'd look lovely on you. Besides, I know you like blue a lot" he said, winking.

Zuko flinched, and fought the urge to grimace and scoff at Lu Ten. He didn't even know why he was feeling this way. He just didn't like it if Lu Ten could get closer to Katara than him. But then he just thought to himself that maybe he's feeling this way, because he actually had a 'surprise' present for Katara too, and Zuko didn't want Lu Ten to compete.

Ozai cleared his throat suddenly, and everyone turned their heads towards him. "Ursa, Iroh, I do believe that we will be having an important meeting soon" said Ozai.

"Oh yes, right. Well then, I'm sorry Katara. Mommy needs to attend an important meeting. You may go ahead and have fun, do whatever you want. But don't go to sleep too late, okay?" said Ursa.

"Okay, mom" said Katara and Zuko in unison.

"Well, I gotta go too. Important things and what not, see ya Zu-zu, see ya tara" Azula said, as she turned on her heels and walked away.

"Me too" said Lu Ten, "Sorry but, I have some important stuffs to do. I'll see ya guys around!"

Everyone began walking outside, and the servants began to tidy and clean up the room as well. Katara was still standing there, thinking what to do next. She suddenly gasped as she felt Zuko took her hands and pulled her.

"C'mon Katara! I wanna show you something as well" Zuko said with a grin on his face.

"Oh-okay, wa-wait! Where are we going?" Katara tripped a bit on her dress, as Zuko pulled her even faster.

"To the library first!"

Katara thought about his words for a moment, "Wait, first?"


After they've reached the library, Zuko pulled Katara to a table nearby. "Close your eyes Katara, I have a surprise for you!" he said cheerfully.

"Okayy!" Katara brought her palms up to her eyes to close them. "My eyes are closed now, what's the surprise about?"

"No peaking!"

"I'm not! I swear!"

"Keep closing your eyes, I want to put this onto your palms" said Zuko, as he pulled Katara's palms from her eyes, and laid a scroll paper tied with a red ribbon. "Okay, now open!"

Katara opened her eyes and stared at the scroll in front of her. "Um… it's, a paper scroll?" she asked with a confused look.

"Wha- no-no! Open it" Zuko said. Katara began untying the red ribbon, and Zuko felt so nervous. The more Katara untie the ribbon, the more nervous he became. Zuko bit his lower lip and looked up at her, "Ouwh, I really do hope you'll like it"

Katara finally untied the ribbon, and unscrolled the paper. Katara gasped with amazement, her bright blue eyes went bigger than ever, "Oh my… my goodness. Zu-Zuko… is-is that… me?"

Katara looked up to Zuko nodding, then stared back at the paper scroll.

"It's a drawing of me!" Katara exclaimed happily. There on the paper, was an ink drawing of Katara. Even though it looks messy and sketchy, she liked it a lot. No… she LOVED it. "No way Zuko. No way… did you draw this? For me?" she asked, still baffled.

"Yes of course!" Zuko said proudly, as he crossed his arms on his chest and stick his nose to the air. "I drew that for a whole day! I was preparing it 3 days before your birthday! I wanted to give you something that I made myself. I didn't know what to give. Glad you like it!"

"Like it? I LOVE it, Zuko! It's the best birthday gift eveerr! Thank you soo much!" Katara crashed herself to Zuko, and hugged him tightly. Zuko tried so hard to hide his blush, but knew he couldn't. He bet that from the contrast of his pale skin, he must've looked like a boiled crab.

Katara pulled away from Zuko, and blushed a little. "Uh-um, anyway Zuko… I remember you said that you wanted us to go to the library, 'first'. What did that mean?"

Zuko's head snapped up in realization. "Oh yes! I wanna show you something amazing! C'mon, let's go the garden now!" he said as he began pulling Katara again.

"What? Zuko it's nighttime! It would be really dark there!" Katara shouted, a bit scared.

Zuko turned his head a bit to look at Katara from his shoulders, "Oh, don't you worry bout it! I bet you'll love it when you see it!" he smiled widely.


When Katara and Zuko got closer to the royal garden, Zuko abruptly stop on his tracks, resulting Katara bumping onto his back.

"Ouch! Hey, why are we stop-" Katara was cut off, as Zuko turned to look at her. He grabbed her arms and said, "Now close your eyes again, Katara. This one is also a surprise! Don't worry, you won't trip or fall. Just close your eyes and take my hand, I'll lead the way. The garden is already close anyway"

Katara pouted, "Hmpfh, okay then. But if I trip and fall, it's your fault!" she then slowly closed her eyes, and stretched out her right hand for Zuko to hold.

Zuko rolled his eyes and took her hand, "Yeah-yeah, c'mon then"

Katara knew they've reached the garden, when she heard the sounds of grass crunching beneath her shoes. With her eyes closed, she could actually sense and 'felt' her surroundings more. She could smell the wet grass and the gentle breeze of the night. It seemed that it had rained before.

"Okay, we're here. You may now open your eyes!" Zuko said with excitement in his voice.

Katara slowly opened her eyes and felt her jaw dropped. She was so amazed by the beautiful view in front of her. The sky was clear and the moon was full, illuminating everything with its bright ethereal white light. But what caught her eyes more, were the floating yellow things in the garden.

Katara saw so many bright yellow things, flying around. It looked like floating small flames. She was so amazed and confused at the same time, she had never seen such thing! "Ah, this is so beautiful! Wha-What is this?!"

Zuko turned to look at her and smiled, "It's an animal! They're one kind of a bug! We called them, 'Fireflies'" he explained. Zuko then catched one Firefly and trapped it inside his palm. He signaled Katara to come closer, as he wanted to show her the animal closer. He slowly opened his palms, still making sure it won't escape just yet.

"See? They have this… glowing things on their butts!" said Zuko.

Katara stared at the creature on Zuko's palms with amazement, "Oohh, it's so pretty! I've never seen an animal like this. Hahaha, glowing butt! I guess from where I came from, the weather was just too cold for any flowers or animals to live. Well, except for some snowy animals hahaha"

Zuko let go of the Firefly, and watched it flew away. Katara's eyes trailed to a group of many Fireflies. She noticed that a lot of them were flying around a particular area, and so she walked closer towards it. As she got close enough, she realized that they were hovering above the Fire Lilies bushes.

The Fire Lilies seemed to glow ethereally, from the effect of the moonlight and the Fireflies. She was so amazed with everything that's going on in this garden. Everything looked so surreal and magical, she thought that she was in the spirit world.

"Gosh Zuko… seems like this garden never fails to amaze me. And it never stops! Every time I come here, I would find new wonderful things. This is just so beautiful" Katara said, as she kneeled down in front of the bushes, inspecting the flowers and the Fireflies.

"Iyeap. I like to spend my time here in the garden. I like the quietness of it, especially at night. Things always looked so different here at night. Sometimes I even thought that maybe I'm not in the fire nation" Zuko seemed to think about something then continued, "Hm, this reminds me of what uncle Iroh likes to say to me something about… 'beauty' in dark places or what so ever. Ugh, he likes to talk a lot about philosophies and such" he rolled his eyes.

Katara then remembered what Iroh had told her, when they were both in the library. "Oh yes! He told me that too, when we were in the library. Something about there's always light in bad things or wrong things. Yeah, something like that… Oh well, it is beautiful though. I never thought I would see this kind of view, and especially the fact that you could only see it at night"

"Yeah, true…" Zuko kneeled on the ground next to Katara, and stared at the Fire Lilies, "I remember a picture of my mom's and dad's wedding. They put so many Fire Lilies in mom's hair"

Katara's eyes widened for a moment, "Oh yeahh! I remember you told me about Fire Lilies. You give them to someone you love, right? Like a symbol of showing your love, and asking if they're gonna accept it or not"

Zuko blushed and looked away, pretending to observe the fireflies near him. "Ye-yeah, that's true. You give it to someone, you know, if you want to make them yours. Like uh, asking out on a date… or something. Umm I don't, really kn-know about it much"

Katara giggled, "I wonder whom you'll be giving in the future"

Zuko's head turned around to look at Katara, his eyes wide with surprise, "Wha-what did you mean by that?"

Now Katara couldn't hold it much longer, she burst into laughter as she saw Zuko's cheek was turning into a deeper crimson color. "Aahahaha, you silly! Yeah well, you know you're going to give someone some Fire Lilies, riight?" Katara said teasingly.

Zuko suddenly stood up and turned his back on Katara, he was too embarrassed by this. He could only imagine how his boiled crab cheek would looked like, and Katara there, laughing at him. "I-I d-don't know what you're ta-talking about!"


"I-I really don't know h-how to ask… or d-do this but…" Sokka paused to wiped away the tears from his eyes, then looked back up into the sky. He focused his gaze up onto the full bright moon, its glow illuminating everything in a pale white light. "P-please… Tui and La, please j-just help bring back my sister. B-bring her back here, safe and sound. Please… let there b-be a miracle"

Sokka then broke down into the thick white snow, sobbing hysterically. Even the cold air of the night, and the frostbite from the ice, couldn't compare to what he's feeling inside his heart. He missed his lost sister so much. He also missed his father, and especially his mother. His mother that he knew could never come back, to this world.

How could this all happened? He kept asking that question everyday in his head, over and over again. Wishing that all of this were just a stupid, horrible, terrifying nightmare. He kept wishing that he could wake up in the morning, greeted by his annoying sister's laugh and yelling. Greeted by his warm loving mother, and his strong loving father.

But no… everyday, he would wake up to the sounds of the storm outside the igloo. The wind whirling furiously, and the bone chilling weather would get colder each day. He would wake up to see his grandma still sleeping next to him. He would wake up, went outside, and see the remaining of his once prideful tribe.


Author's note :

For the next chapter, I would really need your opinions. I've just realized that I've been writing in past tense as the narrator. My friend told me that I should write in present tense since I'm the third point of view character. I tried to write it in present, and I felt weird, uncomfortable, and difficult. So I'm still not sure as how to write it better. So please leave some reviews and so on! 3