Summer Solstice Festival
It was one of those summertime days that you knew you never overlook. Where everything appears to be absolutely perfect in every sense of the word. The azure heavens above are just the loveliest hue of blue, the gentle zephyr is soothing and full of delicious fragrances moreover it's not too humid and everything is just as gorgeous as summertime suppose to be.
Hilarity, passion, and playful cries filled the air throughout the picturesque little village of Hira'a. They're just doing their ordinary everyday routine and living a humble modest simple life without a care of the world.
From first glance, you'd presume no-one who called this village home was even that concerned with the events of the War. Nor that at the end of this summer Sozin's Comet was returning. Although you'd be in for a fabulous shock on that particular issue. For whenever the topic of the war was articulated about it was rather unexpected what numerous souls had to speak regarding it.
Possibly it greatly helped that Hira'a was so far removed from Capital. Furthermore essentially isolated from the wide majority of Fire Nation. Or that they lived such humble lives or the fact everyone here remembered who had once lived here and desired to honor her when the Fire Lord would not.
Either way, if you did a survey of the village of the Hira'a you'd be considerably overwhelmed multiple if not all villagers had tremendously varying viewpoints and thoughts when it came to the war. Furthermore more then a few them had quite a few things they desire to say to Fire Lord Ozai. Things that would either have them banished or end up with lighting shot of them if they voiced them to his face.
But for the past ten months ever since the dramatic return of Avatar Aang to the world and what bits of intelligence of his escapades with his traveling companions had reached this little village they'd been opening their eyes and minds little by little. Again in remembrance and sake of the lost royal family and their personal friends whose fate remained unknown to the villagers of Hira'a but hadn't forgotten them either.
At that moment it was the topic most talked about when you stopped at Zalika and Iye's tea shop where Kazuo, Aiko, Kioko where with the twins on a sorta date. Well, almost a date.
Now that they're all 14 or older they're finally given the approval to do as their mother said 'a little fooling around" which at least meant they could be a little romantic and sexual. Translation? They could go on proper dates, kiss one another and do minor romantic gestures but no further then kissing. No make-out sessions, no getting hickeys and no dishonorable behavior such being alone together in the bedroom like being in the same bed!
Therefore they're just beginning to date and still taking it slow and steady although at least grateful they're permitted to hold hands and kiss. Though that didn't stop them from sometimes such as today to also have babysitting duties.
Which was Kioko was doing when she had to retrieve her little sister Kiyi who'd gotten once again sidetracked by chasing a flutter of gorgeous butterflies nearby. Kioko had a firm grasp on her little sister's hand and was gently scolding her as she leads her back to the table at the tea shop.
"Kiyi, how many times have we told you not to run off? Mommy and Daddy told you to stick close to us remember? I know you love butterflies but please don't wander off and get lost!"
"I'm sorry, Kioko! Really I am," blubbered the four-year-old holding tightly to her doll in one hand as she was being led to the tea shop.
"Kiyi, we just don't want to lose you. Please understand that. You're not in trouble. We just don't want to lose you is all," her older brother reminded warmly her as his fire lily her other 'sister' pulled out a chair after fluffing a huge maroon silk cushion to help her see over the table.
"I know, Kaz, I know. It's just some of the butterflies look like the ones you made on my necklace!" as she pulled out the special necklace her siblings had crafted for her 4th birthday.
Using both their firebending and the gemstones located in the cavern where they went to practice their special firebending in secret they'd made a charm necklace for Kiyi. It had three glass butterflies of azure blue, gold and hot pink amongst a string of beads made up of sunburst pearls, pink tourmaline, garnet, morganite, pink diamonds, rubies, and pezzottaite.
Next, to her doll that she had named after herself, the necklace was Kiyi most prized possession which she never took off. Her siblings smiled at the precocious child and all hugged her once. Then they got a little stern with her so she knows again why she shouldn't run off on them.
"We love you so much Kiyi and we don't want to lose you ever. So pretty please just stay near us okay? Mommy and Daddy don't want to lose you either. You are our responsibility so don't let us dishonor our duty by losing you," her sister Aiko spoke to her affectionately and the four-year-old nodded in understanding.
"So now that you've recovered the half-pint can we get on with our little date?" asked Shun as he flexed his arms to show off the new tattoos he'd recently got. His girlfriend looked at him both amused and annoyed.
"Shun, the safety of my sister is just as important as our quality time together. Don't you feel your own brotherly obligation to Umi?" turning to her best friend who simply shrugged once and played with her pigtails.
"He doesn't do them as often as he did when we're children. I blame puberty for that!" Umi laughed amusingly at her own joke. As she looked at her friends she could still see all of them back when they met at school the first time six years ago as if it were only yesterday. Given they're still all dressed in the same outfits just upgraded to teenager size with some mild changes here and there. But they had all pretty much had a set style on how they liked to dress.
"Sorry if I picked up a slight slacker attitude, sis," Shun apologized who she waved him off in a flippant manner.
"At least it's not like those beach vagrants who hang out all the time on Ember Island. At least Mom and Dad installed the value of hard work in us. That's important knowing how to do things for yourself and the satisfaction of doing for yourself."
"Good point. Being spoiled is never a good idea, Umi. Not even one time. Children need to be disciplined, taught to think and do for themselves. Learn right from wrong. Told no. Parents need to set rules and limits and enforces them so we don't grow up rude or selfish or worse." Aiko agreed with Umi as she tasted her tea.
"Well looks like our parents did a good job with all of us," the girl replied back positively as she looked at all of them who nodded mutually at that assessment.
"Yeah, they sure did. But what do you think of the rumors that have come out in the last six years since the deaths of the royal family? Sounds like it was especially messed up in the royal household." Kazuo commented as he turned to cut up some snacks for Kiyi.
"You do know rumors and hearsay tend to get highly exaggerated right?" Shun asked his best bro but his girlfriend then interrupted. "I don't think it's an exaggeration when you look at a person character and that's the only thing you should judge someone by, Shun.
And judging by how the prevailing Fire Lord has behaved for the last six years considering the tragic demise of his whole family? I for one adamantly believe the rumors aren't rumoring rather the truth that most people turned a blind eye to!" as she munched on a muffin with some crumbs falling out of her mouths as she gave her opinion on the matter.
"It's just so difficult to know what precisely to believe anymore. Given what's been circulating throughout the entire nation for the better part of the last four years. Ever since that first despicable mission of his precious Legion of the Black Flames and how the gossip and everything went buzzing like wildfire when the Avatar returned after a 100 years," Umi recollected what happened over the past couple of years.
It was true during the time Noriko was pregnant people had only spoken in hushed whispers regarding what they began to suspect actually occurred to the royal family after discovering about what Fire Lord Ozai ordered the Legion to do.
However eventually ever so gradually a couple of the palace lackeys start speaking about what really went on behind closed doors. Then well news travels fast and before Ozai could silence it everyone in the Fire Nation was now gossiping and murmuring about what had been going on. They had dozens of conspiracy theories and a myriad of outlandish stories. Therefore by this time no-one was quite certain what was the truth and what was a lie.
As a direct result of all this scandalous scuttlebutt for the last few years, the cohesion of the country was gradually coming undone. Furthermore when Avatar Aang and his friends started stirring up trouble as he set out his destiny to end the war? Well, when THAT start getting around you can't imagine now what people were thinking and talking about. A 100 years of propaganda was now being flushed down the toilet because of the death of the royal family and the world was in more of a bind then ever.
But back in a simple village that really no one paid any attention to or most even knew about things were neither here nor there as five teens were trying to have a date while still also babysitting a four-year-old.
"So you really believe the rumors that Ozai was beating his wife?" Umi challenged Kioko who gave her an intense glare. Umi cringed a bit never having seen Kioko give such an intense look before in the six years she had known her.
"I most surely do, Umi! I also firmly believe he was abusing both his children in different ways. Finding ways to hurt them to punish his wife further. Why else did he not care what happened to them after they died?" she argued back to her friend who had nothing to rebuff her friend argument.
"Or are they indeed even dead? They never actually validated there were bodies just lots of blood. Plus isn't so convenient that Azulon and every other heir is left dead on the same night? What's up with that unless it was a murder plot?" Aiko murmured about how everything was so convenient. No one questioned it at the time of cremation due to overpowering grief but six years later people had wised up.
"Yeah, but it begs the question? Did he succeed in eliminating them or did they somehow disappear? Furthermore, if the royal family isn't dead then where are they? Kind of difficult to disappear for six years when the whole Fire Nation knows precisely what you look like." Kazuo admitted as he rammed a scone in his mouth.
"Yeah like how would they get out without anyone knowing? Moreover, where could you hide that no one could find you, brother? Still, it does seem that's noticeably why he conceived the Legion of the Black Flame in the first place. So they could locate his enemies and exterminate them indiscriminately. Though from terrors I've heard them do while they've also stalked the Last Airbender? I wish it didn't have to be so."
"Is it because of what we presently know is a bunch of B.S.? Because if the Fire Lord is amenable to sacrifice his whole family and attack his own people then what else has that family done for the past 100 years to our own country?" Umi asked aloud to all gathered at the table the question that was on ever Fire Nation citizen mind for the last six years since they wised up.
"And if we've been indoctrinated to do disgusting feats like think murder is alright then just what exactly have we really done to the rest of the world?" Shun asked aloud as he looked like the rest of them sick to death to know what exactly their country leaders had done to them for the last 100 years and the people had blindly followed it without even stopping to think twice about it.
"Nothing good. I mean Ba Sing Se built a wall to keep us out for a reason. Now that wall is gone and well? I can only vaguely remember the ten plagues from hostile spirits for the misdeeds of our old village. That was bad enough." Kazuo shivered as his mind recalled the scant memories the fever didn't take from him when he was ten.
"Yeah, the Fire Nation has a whole has a so much bad karma and we shall reap what we sowed. We've got a century worth of bad karma for so many unforgivable things. I secretly hope that the Avatar isn't dead," Aiko confessed in a bittersweet voice What she hated most about her country was this since she was such a believer in karma.
"You know your speaking treason, girlfriend," Shun warned her and she glared daggers back at him.
"So what? We've committed treason for a 100 years to the whole world, Shun! Moreover, virtually everyone in the village wishes they could avenge the royal family who by now everyone is convinced was assassinated by the Fire Lord himself!
He never once on honored them Not once! Not on the Day of the Dead or the Day of Mourning which is their deathday anniversary! If you're gonna try and get away with murder at least attempt to show you ain't guilty!" snapped Kioko fiercely to her boyfriend who wisely backs down. He knew you didn't piss off a woman and not one who could firebend by all means.
"Mommy once sang a song about the Avatar to me. She told me why he's such a good guy and why it is so sad he's gone. That the Avatar cannot take sides. He cannot be bias or hate anyone. He's born a human in each life so he may understand humanity and why he must protect it.
That he needs to understand and love all humans no matter what their background, origin, or what they've done. He cannot hate or judge them. He must give them all his love and protect them all.
For his duty is to the whole world and therefore he must love us all. Wrap us all up in love and forgive us all Want to hear it?" asked Kiyi abruptly. She'd had been a bit inattentive to the conversation because she'd been eating tea cakes and scones.
"Sure little sister. What did Mommy sing to you about the Avatar? Come on we are all ears," her brother requested of her. Gathering up her courage the little girl sang emphatically and clearly the song her mother had taught her about the Avatar.
"I know there is healing in the blood upon this land. Comfort for the broken and the hurting of this land. Come now all you burden with the pain of this world. And he will give you rest.
Stretch out, your arms to the one who gives you life. Lay all of your sorrows before the grace of the Avatar's might. Come now all your suffering in silence through the night.
And the Avatar will hear your cry. He will hear your cry
TAKE ME AS I AM BROKEN AND BLEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR PRESENCE I'M NEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR LOVE SO PURE. HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS. AND I WILL ENDURE."
Hold me in your healing arms. Touch me oh mighty Avatar. Make me whole.
Hold me in your healing arms. Touch me oh mighty Avatar. Make me whole.
Hold me in your healing arms. Touch me oh mighty Avatar. Make me whole.
TAKE ME AS I AM BROKEN AND BLEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR PRESENCE I'M NEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR LOVE SO PURE. HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS. AND I WILL ENDURE.
TAKE ME AS I AM BROKEN AND BLEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR PRESENCE I'M NEEDING. WRAP ME IN YOUR LOVE. YOUR LOVE SO PURE. HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS. AND I WILL ENDURE.
I know there is healing in the blood upon this land. Comfort for the broken and the hurting of this land. Come now all you burden with the pain of this world. And he will give you rest.
Stretch out, your arms to the one who gives you life. Lay all of your sorrows before the grace of the Avatar's might. Come now all your suffering in silence through the night.
And the Avatar will hear your cry. He will hear your cry." Kiyi finished singing in a pretty good singing voice. She got a nice round of applauded for that.
"Very good little sis, but did Mom ever sing to you the other song about the Avatar? The one she sang to us when we caught Fire Fever as children?
You seemed to remember and sang that one perfectly. But I too remember the other one about the Avatar. Why he doesn't belong to any of the nations but belongs to us all. Why he is the spirit of humanity and gives the world something to believe in. Why he is hope, faith, love, friendship.
Why Avatar Aang inspires so many people. He doesn't realize the miracle that the Avatar is or what the Avatar has done since the Avatar has come into being.
For my sister, there are big miracles, small ones, simple and impossible. But the Avatar is a miracle all by himself and that why people believe in the impossible and have an unshakable faith in the Avatar and have depended on him for over a 1000 lifetimes and will always believe in a spirit that shall never leave them and always be there for them, Kioko informed her little sister who was in awe by her powerful captivating word.
"Wow! What song did Mommy sing to you?"
"Let me sing it to you," clearing her throat as the 14-year-old began singing like she was a beautiful phoenix as she sang so beautifully.
"WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST. YOU BELONG TO NO ONE NATION. WE ARE RUNNING TO YOU OUR AVATAR. THERE IS NOTHING THIS WORLD NEEDS THAT YOU'VE NOT PROVED. WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST OUR AVATAR!
Your body is this world bread. Your blood is this world water. Because of you, we are made complete. You've sustained this world time after time. And we trust you, though the road is rough and long. We'll seek you Avatar. Till kingdom come."
WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST. YOU BELONG TO NO ONE NATION. WE ARE RUNNING TO YOU OUR AVATAR. THERE IS NOTHING THIS WORLD NEEDS THAT YOU'VE NOT PROVIDED. WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST OUR AVATAR!
Through every season Avatar. You're the tie that always binds. Things on Earth come and go but you are constant by this Earth's side. We'll trust, you. Though at times you make us wait. Cause we know you only do it to increase our faith.
WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST. YOU BELONG TO NO ONE NATION. WE ARE RUNNING TO YOU OUR AVATAR. THERE IS NOTHING THIS WORLD NEEDS THAT YOU'VE NOT PROVIDED. WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST OUR AVATAR!
You are the bridge between the world of spirits and man. You have bent the sea and lands. You've given this world it's very breath and we shall trust you both in life and death!
WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST. YOU BELONG TO NO ONE NATION. WE ARE RUNNING TO YOU OUR AVATAR. THERE IS NOTHING THIS WORLD NEEDS THAT YOU'VE NOT PROVIDED. WE ARE SEEKING YOU FIRST OUR AVATAR!
We are seeking you first our Avatar. We are seeking you first our Avatar!"
"Now those two songs are quite profound, even if they have proven enough reason for banishment or being shot to death with lightning at point blank range," concurred Umi with a whistle as she refilled everyone tea and bit into her own scone.
"Is that anymore an injustice than that of Iroh Dragon the West being locked up for the simple crime of being a human being? To defend the rights of humanity and not wanting more people to suffer the sins of a demon that he must by misfortune called "Grandfather?" spat Aiko suddenly slamming her fist on the table causing all the flatware to jump.
"You do realize that had to be the catalysts for everything that happened six years ago, don't you? I mean you heard the rumors of what happened to his wife Kimana. Then he loses his son Lu Ten and then his family including his adopted daughter? And if rumors are true Ozai abused the hell out of her too. Just to make both Ursa and Iroh suffer!" Aiko was absolutely gashing her teeth at this.
"No, it's not right that such a great and honorable man like Iroh is stuck in prison and some ass is in charge. He's not done one thing for the country just things for himself agreed," both twins said in unison as their parents didn't agree either that Ozai been a good leader since coming to power. They said Iroh or one of the children who'd been killed would've been so much better than Ozai.
"Still let's just get off the topic for a while. Let's talk about how Hira'a plans to honor the Royal Family this upcoming Summer Solstice. Let's talk about that instead." Kaz said changing the subject before they all firebended the tea shop to the ground.
"Very well, I'm nearly done making the costumes for the production of "Phoenix Heaven" Umi replied instantly though she did frown. "Though I'll never be as good as the legendary Xiaoying from 21 years ago.
The village still tells tales about her and her talents that put my mother and mine's to shame. They called her the world's greatest designer and chef saying she was also an astonishing culinarian as well.
Although the last time the ballet/play was performed? Her costumes weren't just costumes but works of art. Not just stitched together fabric but true masterpieces and so flawless together. No-one has been able to duplicate her skill since. I mean check out the costumes if you don't believe me."
"They still have them?" Kiyi asked in astonishment and Umi nodded. "They save old costumes and props for as long as possible, Kiyi, but no-one beside Ursa, Sakiko and Ikem ever wore the costumes that created for Phoenix Heaven 21 years ago. We can show you if you like. You don't have to be home for another hour right?"
"Yeah and we can run if we have too."
"Okay let's show you the treasures of the Hira'a acting troop!" as the teenagers and four-year-old dashed off to a diminutive reliquary near the theater. Not far behind was their pets who had been snoozing at their feet all this time and been harshly awaken when they scampered off.
It was a medium size building, not anything truly impressive again if you went by the standers of the larger islands and cities of the Fire Nation. It was humble and modest with a fresh coat of paint and attractive blossoms outside it.
Stepping inside they saw some displays with some cards describing why these particular items were so important. Like a few masks were on display for craftsmanship purpose, first edition scripts, sentimental props and things of that nature.
Then they came to the back corner where displayed on some dressmaker mannequins were two sets of costumes complete with accessories. One set was matching ballet outfits and the other was matching outfits all for "Phoenix Heaven." As Xiaoying had said long ago different fabrics and designs used for these outfits. Both outfits were impeccably executed and would emphasize a person body in the correct way and allow for both elegance and grace most defiantly.
The ballet outfits were made out of a blend of black silk and chiffon with a blazing phoenix rising from the ashes in triumphant athwart the chest with accessories of gold and pezzottaite. The other costumes were far more explosive in color and more exuberant with a bit of an ombre effect using silk chiffon and lace and intricate accessories including a golden-winged headdress with diamonds and rubies on it.
"Wow! That is impressive!" Aiko said with a long whistle. Their little sister simply summed it up in three words. "Very very pretty!"
"Yes, it's extremely pretty and as you can see no one ever match the legendary Xiaoying's skill. Then again no one also ever matched Sakiko who was the one who danced the part of Agnimitra skill as a ballerina.
She truly embodied the heart and soul of the trapped soul of a spirit imprisoned in the body of a phoenix. And her grand jete? No one could pull that off as she did! The village still talks about it!" Umi informed them about the history of the items.
"So some pretty big shoes to fill I see. Well, can't stay and chat I'm afraid we need to get home. See you tomorrow!" Kaz apologized as they left to get home.
When they got home their mother was busy tending to her flower garden. All the local flowers were in her garden and it always seemed to attract a lot of butterflies which made Kiyi so happy to chase after.
"How were your dates today kids? Did you keep a watchful eye on your sister?" asked their mother as she stood up and dusted off her skirt.
"We all had a good time and checked out the historical stuff belonging to Hira'a acting troop," answered Aiko to her mother as they came inside the garden.
"Wonderful. Now that you're home you can get to doing those chores you put off. Remember we have an agreement. You can go on a date on the weekend if you make sure you don't lag in your chores. So if you want to be able to go out next weekend please go make sure your chores are done."
"Yes, Mom," the kids replied dutifully and immediately went inside to begin their chores.
Kazuo was soon sweeping and mopping up the whole household as that was his chore on the chore wheel this week. Aiko was occupied getting all the laundry for the whole household done. Kioko was tackling the dishes and the windows and little Kiyi was tasks with giving their pets their baths and grooming them afterward. This took up the rest of the afternoon so by the time they'd finished it was dinner time and their father had come home and everyone was eager to for a normal family dinner.
Again it was Kazuo who correctly set the table but made sure to help Kiyi learn how to do it by pointing out what he was doing and what went where and why. So after everyone was seated and enjoying a nice home cooked meal.
"So how did your dates go today? You did follow the rules correctly?" Noreen asked his teenage kids. After all, they're young adults now and we're growing fast and might not follow rules as teens rebel.
"Dad!" drawled out Kioko irritably that he always questioned them after every date. "We've never dishonored any of yours and mom's rules before and we shall not dishonor them now.
We know not to get carried away and just holding hands and yes we can kiss but not get overly passionate. We are doing as you said. Taking it nice and slow and letting things take their natural course."
"Yes, Dad, you honestly don't have to worry about us going to fast or doing anything that is dishonorable or violated anyone. We are not like that!" Kazuo insisted to his father for the umpteenth time. This had been grinding all three of their nerves since being allowed to properly date. As if being a teenager wasn't hard enough as it was!
"Now, now, Kazuo you know your father and I have to ask these questions regardless of how well you behave. It's a parents job and we wouldn't be good parents if we didn't do our job."
"What about trust, Mom?"
"We trust you but you still have to understand we allow things as long you remember our rules and sometimes it means a little tough love and being annoyed."
"Okay. I guess that makes some sense," her son mumbled a little in defeat and his love and sister sighed in agreement. Their parents smiled and dinner continued on for a few moments in silence as they enjoyed their simple meal before the next topic of conversation was brought up.
"So, just so we can get off the topic of our love lives for a moment can we talk about what we are doing for the Summer Solstice Festival less than two weeks away? Since all of Hira'a basically begged Dad to do it?" Aiko brought up the topic that the family hadn't spoken about yet.
"Do we have to talk about that sweetheart?" her father asked her as he paused in eating his rice.
"Yes, Dad, we do! Everyone is talking about it and Umi was showing us the legendary costumes from the last time the village did "Phoenix Heaven!" Really why is it you don't want to talk about it? Why you so reluctant to do it?" questioned the beautiful young lady to her father in confusion.
"Yeah, don't you want to HONOR the royal family, Dad?" Kioko looked up at her father curiously who gave her a weird look for a second and she brushed it off before continuing on.
"Look we all know the whole country is in a bit of an uproar with this year being the year Sozin's Comet is returning and amidst the rumors and the theories going around not to mention all that happening with the Avatar. Plus some people thinking there is a chance he didn't die at Ba Sing Se.
I mean he was gone a 100 years and somehow came back! If he can cheat death once who to say he can't do it twice? Really! You can't go anywhere in the world today without hearing some type of story of a 12-year-old boy shocking you!" she pointed out what was the truth for the last ten months.
"Yeah, the whole world been turned upside down for the last ten months after the past 100 years of it being inside out basically. Really makes you see things from a whole new point of view for sure!
Anyway, is there a reason we shouldn't honor the royal family by doing this particular performance?" Kazuo asked in a serious tone of voice.
"Yeah, Daddy, why don't you want to do it?" asked Kiyi in a small voice as her mother wiped her chin some.
Sighing he pushed his food away and got a far off look. He looked like he was being careful with choosing his words before he spoke. "It's not that I don't want to help the village honor our most important member who ever lived as well as honor all her children.
It's more of a little heartache. I didn't know Ursa or her friends myself. But hearing all the stories about her, her bests friends and love makes me feel like I did know them personally. Furthermore, it makes me feel incredibly depressed they had to suffer so much and that absolutely no one in this world knows what the real story is.
All we have is wild stories, rumors, and speculations. We don't know for certain what transpired to Ursa or her children. Neither do we know what became of her best friends who were just as important to this village who too should be remembered as well.
Therefore it's just especially difficult to do this even if as a whole the village is trying to memorialize them. To make sure they are properly remembered and honored. Given the circumstances of the world and again the uncertainty of their true fates."
"Wow, never knew you could be so philosophical, my husband. Though I guess as everyone views each other as family in Hira'a that makes sense even if you didn't know Ursa or her children it makes sense the village itself felt they're a loss as a personal loss." Noriko thoughtfully said as she comforted her husband.
"But that's why it's so important we do this, Dad! We can't let their memory continue to be dishonored by that swine! If only one place in the Fire Nation will honor them on the most spiritual day of our country then I say let's give them their dues!" Aiko declared with a blazing passion.
"Yeah, Aiko and I shall dance the ballet and I swear we do as well as it was done 21 years ago but Princess Ursa's best friend Sakiko!"
"Yes, I'll do my best to match that woman's talent and skill level, Dad!" promised Aiko who saw her father give her a peculiar smile.
"I've no doubt Aiko not only will you match Sakiko's skill you will exceed her and you and Kazuo will do even better then Sakiko did. As she wasn't dancing with her fire lily. See the only one who could play Prince Mishal for both the play and ballet was Ikem who was Ursa's love.
I've no doubt in my mind with you two the perfect duet in all that you do the ballet will be far greater and give great honor to the past when you two perform it," as they two 16 years old blushed a bright crimson from hearing this.
"What about me, Dad? Do you think I'll do just as good job as honoring Princess Ursa herself playing her old role in the play version of Phoenix Heaven as the lead? I doubt if my voice is as good as her voice was said to be when she sang the Phoenix Ballad," Kioko admitted in an uncertain voice.
Putting his hand on her shoulder he made sure their eyes met and he told her boldly. "Kioko just like with your brother and his fire lily I've without a doubt in my mind you and your fire lily will not only honor the lost royal family you shall outdo even Ursa's great talent."
"You really think I can do that Dad?" she asked in incredulity at how he such a strong belief in her and he nodded with such strong conviction she felt a resolve.
"What can I do to help, Daddy?" Kiyi wanted to know as she didn't want to be left out of this as this was a family thing.
"I'm sure you and the rest of the school-age children will find things to do to help honor the royal family and the play sweetie."
"Well, Ms. Lal did just start teaching us about arts and crafts. Maybe I can do something with arts and crafts?" as she was fingering her precious necklace.
"Sounds like you can talk about it with your teacher when you are at school on Monday. Time to get dinner cleaned up and everyone makes sure you take your baths. We have a lot of work to do if we want to make sure we are ready for this upcoming event," their mother informed them as she began to clean up their dinner.
The next day did find half the school-age children employed with making jewelry with stuff that got from Ms. Lal's husband Trader Kito's store and the rest of the school was going around gathering wildflowers to make flower wreaths. The village teenagers were occupied with helping prepare for the numerous activities that went into celebrating the summer solstice as well as a third of them helping prepare for the production to be done.
No one was more focused on the show then, of course, the three main stars who were giving all their heart and soul into being perfect for it while their best friends and neighbors poured all they could into it as well.
Finally, everything was ready when Summer Solstice arrived and it was time to kick off the three-day celebration. Everyone in the village was dressed in their finest kimonos all courtesy of Hinata, all the refreshments came from Zalika and Iye, all firebender performers were students of Maser Edan.
The party started early and everyone was having a good time with the games, tricks and sweets and fun activities going around in this little village waiting till sundown for the main attraction. Finally as sunset set in everyone began to take their seats as Noreen walked onto the stage to hush his village.
"Welcome my brothers and sisters. I'm so glad everyone is here and we've come so close as family and friends. Tonight we honor old friends who are no longer here and deserved to be remembered for how they lived and not for the murky ways they have died or whatever happened.
So please let's all be silent as for the first time in 21 years we shall perform both the legendary ballet and play of "Phoenix Heaven" Tonight it will be the ballet and tomorrow we shall enjoy the play. Both will have my elder children as the stars and I can tell you right now I couldn't be prouder of them and how they shall honor the royal family when the one who should haven't.
So now let's begin the show!" as he walked off the stage as the audience applauded once and soon became lost in the living poetry that was the ballet. Members of the teenagers old school band were playing the dramatic mood music as the ballet began.
It starts off in the Spirit World with the evil sorcerer cursing Agni's daughter Agnimitra trapping her the form of a phoenix in the first act.
Second Act was all about Prince Mishal and his cold ways and then hunting the Phoenix only to learn about the enchantment on the beautiful woman.
Third Act is falling in love and the Dragon Ball and Agnimitra doomed to die when the vow is made to the wrong girl.
Fourth Act is the Agni Kai with the Prince against the Sorcerer and saving Agnimitra's life.
Fifth Act is Happily Ever After.
That how the ballet and play both were broken into and it was true what Noreen had predicted of his children they not only did as well as the last group who had done this they far exceed them in doing it.
The perfect duet danced the ballet it was as if it was watching a dream and not the reality the way the moved. The feeling and emotion you were just under their spell you forgot to breathe as Kazuo and Aiko did everything so flawless it was like they're inhuman and truly the characters come to life.
Same when it was the next day Kioko and Shun. It was story come to life and everyone was just so memorized they forgot where they were and only saw the story as if it were true and never heard a more beautiful voice sing. Even those who did remember Ursa singing the balled said this young girl's voice was even far more beautiful.
What the family had no way of knowing it wasn't just their family watching them do the play and ballet. Those butterflies that been fluttering about so much that particular summer?
Alanna had used her powers to allow the spirits of the deceased loved ones of Royal Family visit the mortal Realm without tipping off anyone. Not even Akiko's normal spiritual powers picked this up being masked by Alanna powers.
So all these butterflies were their departed family members all who enjoyed seeing their loved were safe and happy. Even if they feared what might happen with Sozin's Comet so close at least for this moment in time everything was perfect.
Kiyi- Kath Soucie many roles
I'd like to thank all who have so far favored this and reviewed this story. I really like to give a shout out to Cat Reader.
I really look forward to your reviews for you can give me an objective review and I work hard to take your advice and really do hope you read future stories of mine so I can continue to get better because of you.
There are eight chapters left of this before we reach the end. I'll tell you what my next story is at the end of the story and I hope you are enjoying this story as much as I'm enjoying writing this.
Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, favored and followed and hope you all do the same for future stories.
Thank you.
Also, I've now had Grammarly for 1 whole year. So yes my grammar has improved because I've had a grammar program now for a whole year.
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