Sitting at your desk, at your place. With your pen in your hand, tapping the tip of it on the blank paper. So much on your mind, that needed to be placed down on the paper.
Looming the pen over it, pressing it onto the white square moving to the right the ink comes out forming the words your mind had.
Dear Grandfather,
I'm sure you are aware that I am staying, here in the city. Aunt Izumi as well my father wanted me to return back to you. But I couldn't do it, and I'm sorry for that. Though the Fire Nation is my home, so is Republic City. I was born and raised here, well mainly raised, my family is also here. Tenzin my father, Pema my mother, and my younger siblings. I couldn't bare to leave them, when the city is under attack. It would leave a heavy hole in my heart. Just the thought of knowing I would be safe away while, they are still here. Also my friends are here, they are also my family. Understand grandfather, that the last three years that I have spent with you where the best. I learned so much about myself and family. Never did I think I came from such a strong family. Knowing I have yours and grandmother's blood running through my veins, it's so amazing. You've taught so much, our talks I loved the most. Never have a I meant a man such as you, the love you gave me I could feel from grandmother as well my father. Who I do wish, to have meet but from what you told me I won't forget him.
I do wish that I was raised there at times, but being raised here was wonderful as well. I will not lie I am scared, but I know it's the right thing, you always told me that grandmother did what she felt was right no matter how scared she felt. Like how she went on the front lines with great grandpa Jong Jong, back then during the war. You told me how she scared to go, but pushed it aside feeling that it did not matter how her feelings where. She had so much courage that so radiant, anyone she came across could feel its glow. Something you said grandfather Aang spoke so much about her, it was her courage and compassion that many of you relied on. A woman of power yet humble and grace. Not afraid to get herself dirty, will to back up her words. Like a volcano you would say, so much power under that one person. Yet you loved her still, she provided you with a home, and family which you could not have been more grateful for.
You and others have told me I look so much like her, and have some of her spirit mixed in with my own. I can feel her presence telling my to stay with the others to help them. I know as you told me grandmother said you never liked when she would risk herself, but knew that what she did and was a part of her. Grandfather...that part of grandmother is apart of me. I can feel through my bones, I know you are not going to be happy about this, but please do not be sad. Don't be pessimistic as grandmother would say, we are a nation of fire. Fire is light, so look on the bright side, think over ever good thing do not be sad. I could bare it if that you felt like that. My heart would ache and you know it would.
Grandfather, I love you, all of you very much.
Signing your name with love, your trembling hand stops tears roll down your eyes. This would be the last letter you would write, all the memories you had with your grandfather filled your mind. A warm smile comes to your eyes, trying to wipe away the tears. Though you where scared beyond belief, you felt slightly at ease, still you felt a bit unsettled. Everyone was doing their part before Kuvira came. The others where at City Hall to talk with the president about their plans, leaving you here at your place. Joi who as lounging sensing your emotions whines.
Turning to her, you smile softly."Don't worry."you console her, she just drops her ears. Looking back at the letter, re-reading it again making sure you had poured out all your head had whirling around in it. Satisfied with it fold it up, sealing it up in you summon Kari, she comes in bowing her head to you.
"Yes Princess Kashi?"she awaits your order.
Getting up, you hand her the letter. She looks at it, when you embraced her in a hug, surprising her."Princess?"she asks wearily.
Smiling behind her, releasing her from the hug, looking at her warmly. Taking her hands in your."Kari, you and Xi have been so helpful and faithful. I couldn't ask for anyone better."
She looks at you worried, wondering where this was all coming. Your grip on her tightens, doing your best to hold back the tears."Princess?"
Sighing heavily."I relive you of your duty. Do not worry, you will still be paid handsomely. You and Xi, but please as my last request have this letter delivered to my grandfather, and...I want you to leave right now. I have already dismissed Xi, I could not bare if anything happen to you both. Your family has also be taken care of and take Joi with you. So please, do not question my decision, enjoy your life."hugging her one last time, you dismiss the stun maid. She wanted to say something but seeing her words would not sway you in sort of way.
She cries, thanking you and leaves taking Joi with her, who whines not wanting to leave you. But you turn your back to them, crying silently behind your closed door. Your place now empty and hollow. Not having time for these tears, you wipe them away just as quickly as they came. Standing up straight, you are the Princess of the Fire Nation, granddaughter of Fire Lord Zuko and Avani Beifong, who came from the Beifong family. Strength ran through your veins, two strong families united and made you.
Your friends and family needed you, other needed you. This was war, and there was no time for tears or anything, holding your high. Opening your door, you walk out and make your way to City Hall.
Only to bump into Iroh, which surprised you. Seeing you here also surprised Iroh. Who seem upset to find you still here, he had a few of his men with him. Knowing why he was here, you put that behind you. And walk firmly trying to avoid his eyes contact. He calls to you, but you pay him no mind till he grabbed you slightly rough. Making you stop, he spins you around.
"Kashi! What is this I'm hearing you not wanting to go? My mother has informed me, you cannot be here. I've brought so men to escort you back to the Fire Nation."he raises his voice slightly.
Looking to his men who come around you, but you yank your arm away from him."I'm not going."you tell him flatly making your way up the stairs, but Iroh grabs hold of you, this time ready you lash out with some fire that he was able to deflect. Startled by this, but discards it narrowing his eyes. He marches right up behind you, stopping you from going any further.
Like an empowering figure."Kashi, stop acting this way. You must go back to the Fire Nation, a war is coming and the last thing anyone needs to read about is the Fire Nation Princess is killed. Just think of what this will do to grandfather."his voice raises once again, talking down to you like a child. A child that you where not anymore. Blocking out what he was saying, which was aggravating you.
Not wanting to hear this anymore, he crosses the line when he lets it slip that you to delicate. Snapping at him, raising your voice, unleashing your fury in white flames."I am not delicate! I am KASHI BEIFONG, I will not live those I care behind, my safety is not above anyone else!"
Iroh steps back from the flames your produced, he saw it in your eyes. He couldn't believe, was it his grandmother in you he saw, this was astonishing to him, the power you gave off not just from your firebending but from yourself. Though he only saw the young cousin from three years ago, this was different, you where not that person anymore. Giving him a wake up call. The fury of determination could be seen, even his men coward in respect.
Looking harder, Iron saw the tears in the corner of your eyes. Regaining his calm composure he couldn't help but smirk at this. Softly looking at you, understanding."You have grandmother's spirit alright."he sadly chuckles.
Hearing his words, you calm down and your flames go away. He still chuckled to himself, looking at you not as child but as equal. Pride could be seen, walking to you standing still over you due to height. Looking down at you, he brushes some of your bangs out of your face, and places a kiss on your forehead. You smile."Just becareful."
"You as well."you tell him. Taking his lips off your forehead, smiles at you which you return. Placing a hand on the side of your face.
"Grandmother, would be so proud of you."Placing your hand upon his, tenderly. Melting into it.
Letting go of him, you make your way to the president. Iroh watches you, feeling eyes upon you turn to him. Thanking him for understanding, he gives you a nod. Turning back around Iroh watches you leave, whispering to his grandmother to keep you safe.
Later that evening, after talking with the president and spending some time with your family on the island. You make it back home, about to call for Joi realizing she was not here anymore. Nor was Kari or Xi. Though you missed him, you where happy they left so nothing could happen to them, their safety was all that mattered. Yet it still left you feeling heavy. It was the assurance of what was to happen, how the war would go down, and the fact you have never actually been in the action before. Always behind the lines, never there. Always the one being protected, never the one protecting others. Always the one crying, never the one being strong.
This was all so new, the last three years on the island you kept yourself isolated so that when you came, you would come in back better than ever, ready to take anything head on. Like the others did, to show everyone even yourself what you could do, and how much you have grown, so they would never look down at you as the weak one of the group.
Protect everyone, that was what you wanted to do. Be there with them if all of you fall. Make your mark, so others could see. You just didn't understand why you felt so weak right now. Inhaling hard, your body shook as you exhaled. You had been use to fear, but this fear was different. It really was, with no one here to talk to about it. Nor with all the training you had been through would prepare you for this.
The tears just came, thinking what the others, Korra, Mako, Asami, or Bolin would do. Did not seem to help you at all, none of their ways seem to. Trying to remain calm, was not helping you really. Going through your mind on what you should, remembering what your grandfather said about breathing control, you slowly start to do that. Getting your breathing under control.
Sitting down in the center taking a mediation position, you close your eyes inhaling deeply, holding it in. Thinking to clear your mind as you exhale slowly. Then inhale once again deeply and exhale. Slowly your heart beat slowed down, with your mind clearing now, you had a good idea on what you should do. Getting up you go and find your twin dual blades your grandfather had made for you before you left. Taking them out, crossing them infront of the other slicing them sharply in the air with great precession, taking the stance. Ready, and start.
After hearing what happen between you and Iroh earlier as well being there over hearing it. Mako after leaving Wu at Asami's place and making sure his family had gotten out and listening to the words his grandmother had said to him. He makes his way over to you, reaching your place, knocking on the door. Calling for you, but there came no response, he knocks again and again. Fed up with this, he jiggles the knob only to his surprise finds is unlocked. Suspicious and alarmed, he slowly enters. Ready, looking around seeing nothing out of place. It felt so silent in here. Treading carefully, like a shadow. His eyes pay attention to every single detail.
Still there seem nothing out of place, but that did not make him put his guard down, more alert than ever. Though he wanted to call out your name, but refused against it. Checking in everywhere, there was nothing. Not even Joi was here. Keeping his mind sharp and focused, forms a fire dagger ready to strike. Reaching the last door, your room door. Seeing it was slightly open, he looks through the crack seeing nothing. Pushing it slightly, he comes in. Nothing here was out of place, which made him slightly confused. Lowering his guard a bit.
Only for it to come right back when he heard a door open. Turning around ready to take them out."FREEZE!"
Instead of hearing what thought was a burglar to hear your startled alarming screams. Which stop, once you realize who it was."Mako?"
Hearing your voice, the stoic young man looks baffled a bit to find you stepping out of your bathroom, in your robe surprised and confused as to why he was here. Looking around to see if anyone else was around to only find him.
Awkward silence between the two of you. Feeling embarrassed right now, Mako coughs and quickly regains himself looking away."Forgive me, Pr-I mean Kashi. I just came by to check up on you...and everything seems well."he quickly says.
"Well...umm thanks."you thank him unsure.
He just nods his head. Looking to your door, you look at it as well."Would you like to leave?"
He nods his head rapidly."Yes..."
Shrugging your shoulders, and not wanting to be rude, you escort him out, opening the door for him."Well, thanks for ummm...checking in on me..."you still had not fully recovered just yet, from the awkward tension that just happen.
Mako kept his back turned to you, he bids you good night. Which you do as well, watching him walk away. Turning around you shut the door, when it stops. It was Mako, which surprised you even more.
He had something on his mind, you could see it and feel it. Though he didn't look at you, you try to get his attention but no. He balls up his hand, struggling to say what he needed to get off his chest.
Placing a hand upon arm, waiting for him to say it. Finally he looks at you, the look he gave was intense yet soft. Standing up straight, his eyes filled with so much affection. He moves in closer while shutting the door behind him."...Mako..."
He didn't say anything, until the door was just a few inches from closer."...Kashi...I..."The door clicks shut.