Music, Art, Dance, Romance
While it was the start of December no one was deterred at all by the beginning of the chilly wintry weather. It only seemed to spur people on and maybe it was true that cold weather had a strange way of bringing people together in unforeseen ways.
Right at the moment in the school band room Team Avatar and few other kids they'd become very friendly with were listening to the performances. The Gang had with the support of Kishi and those "Crazy Nomads" decided to combine their musical talents and form a band.
So Sokka was on drums, Aang the keytar, Toph played bass guitar with Zuko playing rhythmic one and Akiko and Katara were supposed to both do double duty as 'eye candy' and singers with Akiko as the harmony and Katara the melody.
Although Katara was still having an incredibly troublesome time getting herself comfortable enough to sing again. They'd been at this for two and half weeks presently and she just really hadn't got back her voice still.
The gang was beginning to complain that she was worst then the little mermaid who swapped her voice for legs and only Aang remained on her side saying she would sing as lovely as that mermaid again when she felt comfortable once more.
"Okay, fair enough point. Although we absolutely need to keep practicing! I know we are doing an extraordinarily miserable job coming up with our own original songs. Which is why Aunt Kim gave us some of her favorite songs for us to at least practice," Akiko softened to Aang's freshest attempt to defend his 'love'
"Yeah, Aunt Kim has really great taste in music. After all, she's the one Uncle put in charge of planning the unification ceremony for the end of the school year before summer started," Zuko reminded the group.
"I think Daddy just wanted to give her some sense of purpose, Zuky. She's been seeking some meaning for a very long time. Is it just not enough with our weekly soul gardening sessions with her you know?
She needs to feel needed and that she's doing some productive and to get her mind off things. Too many bad memories and too much stress going on at the house and you know it!" Akiko was quick to point out in a snappish way.
"Why? What unpleasant memories exactly? What's wrong with your guys' Aunt? Is she unwell or something? What's wrong with Kim?" Aang asked in a concerned way as he clutched tightly his secret locket.
Sighing Zuko replied. "Aunt Kim is a strong woman in many ways, Aang. But it is December and the Winter Solstice is coming up."
"So? What's that got to do with anything? That's a day of celebration in the Water Tribe. We have a grand party and at our house, it's a double celebration as it's my birthday! It's the most spiritual day for the Water Tribe!" Katara exclaimed exuberantly but then saw the melancholy expressions on her two friends faces.
"You have a party of celebration and good spirits good times and celebrate your birthday, Katara?" Akiko repeated and the girl nodded. Clearly, she was looking forward to her 15th birthday.
"For us what its a time of great joy and a party for you is a somber and a little depressing time for us of Fire Nation blood. For us the Winter Solstice is our Day of the Dead," Zuko explained to which the gang and those who were just returning from the student lounge with snacks were shocked to hear those words.
"What?!"
'Yes, it was said in the Lost Age we had several age-old traditions that came with that Winter Solstice or Day of the Dead.
It is own way was a celebration and a day of honor and respect.
The traditions of the Day of the Dead are very different from the Summer Solstice celebration.
For one everyone has a special golden phoenix candlestick. It's a phoenix pointed skyward with a candle on each of its wingtips and the final candle on its beak. This is called the Flame of Rebirth.
For just as the Phoenix is forever reborn from the ashes their loved ones truly live on forever in their hearts. So as longs as you carry their memory and love in your hearts they will live on forever just as the Phoenix does.
There are seven candles on the Flame of Rebirth and during the week approaching the day of the dead you light one every night and light the final one on the beak on the day of the Winter Solstice itself. All the candles must be kept burning until the Solstice is over.
This is to honor your departed loved ones, to show they're welcomed into your home and to help them find their way back to the spirit world.
They also had special incense sticks with a special smoke meant to ward off evil or dark spirits that might come trespassing or follow their loved ones who come for a visit and drag the living into the spirit world.
For Day of the Dead is for both the living and dead. Families will go to the cemeteries where their loved ones are laid to rest to clean them up and make them look new. Then spend hours telling their loved ones what they've been missing.
Then there is a large banquet held where half the food is left for the dead as are all the gifts made in offering to them.
So it's still a somber occasion but meant to be a happy one as well. For you're meant to remember the good times and know you're loved ones are happy and to honor them still," Akiko explained the ancient past of their culture.
She sighed for a moment and then went on to describe. "Daddy and Aunt Kim are really big into the history of the Lost Age and collect as many items as possible from it.
Therefore they have everything needed for a proper Day of the Dead with them. That includes a Flame of Rebirth and the special incense sticks. The whole shebang. Ever since Lu Ten died..." she started to sob and couldn't finish and buried herself into Zuko's chest and he rocked her soothingly.
They didn't really need them to finish explaining they did it for them. "So your Uncle and Aunt hold a traditional Day of the Dead every year for their departed son? And it also makes you sad as he was like a brother to both of you as well?" Sokka finished for them and Zuko nodded with his eyes wet with droplets.
"And that's why your Uncle wants your Aunt a little distracted at the moment. So she's not singularly focusing on depression? Or other painful memories and problems still going on that you haven't or just refuse to speak about?" Toph surmised to which again Zuko nodded.
The only answer they ever got was it was "complicated" about Zuko and Akiko's home life and they had just learned to accepted they didn't wish to talk about it.
"We're truly sorry if this is a difficult time for your family. We all lost people we've loved one way or another," Aang said in an emphatic way.
"It's alright. We're still learning the ins and outs of each other cultures. You couldn't have known about that," Akiko as she wiped her eyes and then trying to recapture her composure return to the mike.
"So what do you want to try to do next from the list of songs that Aunt Kim gave us to do?" she asked in a hiccuping voice.
"Well, first give us a minute to get your flowers arranged as you wanted them to be able to listen to your music to see if that increases their germination in the wintertime months," Yue spoke up as she and Suki went over to a small table where six vases sat with six beautiful flowers gradually starting to blossom.
"You know they each look a little different and are growing in a slightly different way. Did you notice that? Now, are you sure you want them at all different geometrical angles and all that?" inquired Suki as she looked at the paper in front of her written by Sokka.
"Yeah, Suki, it's an experiment we're trying this week with our flowers. I worked it out over the weekend. I took in the different variables. After carefully analyzing all six flowers I think broke down each in a unique way.
Consequently, we're trying a different fertilizer, water, amount of sunshine, air quality and then how they are positioned and now how they respond to music all this month and see how that influences them."
"You're really gonna turn all our plants into an experiment?" Katara asked in an annoyed voice.
"Hey! Hey! We did vote how we handle them in the winter and I'm the one who comes up with the best plans and understands biology the best! Therefore we're doing this!"
"Fine Mr. Sour Jokes! Now enough yakking let's get rocking!"
"Fine, Toph! So which song off the list should we do?"
"Well since we did just talk about death we should sing about life. How about "Lifesong?" It's got a good message, fit the situation and make us all feel better. At least I think so," Aang pointed down the list of songs Kimana had chosen for them to rehearse with.
Not surprising she'd chosen many she played at the Tea Shop which was of a godly nature. "Lifesong" wasn't any different for a woman who needed faith and the power of prayer as much as she needed air to breathe.
"Alright, let's do it, people. Katara, try and put your heart into this one, please?" requested Akiko as they got back into position and looked a the small group before them.
They were Suki, Yue, the girls from the shop, a few kids who were working on the mural there as well.
"Just tell us how we sound and what we needed to improve after we finish this, okay? Hold your comments and opinions till after we're done with this one, that's all we ask." Aang requested and they all nodded.
Taking a deep breath they started to play the song and sing "Lifesong"
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord, I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You!" they finished together and waited for the opinions of their classmates.
"That was one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in my life," was the first thing out of Yue's mouth.
"You really did well on the drums, Sokka. I'm impressed with your talents." Suki couldn't help but batted her long eyelashes at him.
"Well I speak for our half of the shop we don't have much of an opinion on the whole music. We're too busy thinking of catering to the big events you'd be playing at." Honora spoke for her half of the shop who all nodded in agreement for their shared opinion on the band.
"What about the boutique half?" Akiko wanted to know who blushed a bit before On Ji looked around and sighed and answered.
"We're too busy trying to imagine on how to dress you all for a stage performance to enhance your look to concentrate on anything else." On Ji replied honestly still blushing almost as red as fire engine.
"Yeah, so you girls are only concerned with the band if it coincided with your dreams? Well, all great acts need a great look and good catering. So at least they're thinking practical," Sokka said as he flipped his drumsticks in the air and one bashed him the head and everyone laughed. "Stupid drumstick."
"Well, your clothes and catering look aside I think it's cool just how diverse you are within your group." Teo acknowledged from his wheelchair.
"Yeah, you're all very different and the difference blends well together so it gives the band a unique look and sound. And you can take any song and give it a unique spin that's for sure." Haru agreed with his friend.
"Even my friends in their band the Flame-o aren't as impressive" Shoji commented and the band nodded. "We could definitely use some pointers from you on how to mix it up and jazz it up some," they all agreed.
Seeing at least that for today their work in the music was satisfactory they felt it was time to end it. Again it took them two and a half weeks of practice for 2 and half hours after school to get this good.
And today it was Friday afternoon and everyone was ready to go home with their families and enjoy their weekend. Therefore everyone was quickly disbursing to go get their things from their lockers and go get rides home from their families.
After all after-school activities, all lasted from 3:15. to 5:30 and either there was a late bus to take kids home or parents picked them up.
As Team Avatar was finishing putting away their musical instruments Katara was apprehensively playing with her hair. Something was really eating at her and it was, of course, Aang who notice it.
"Katara?"
"What?! Yes?!" she said in a squeaky voice.
"Is there something on your mind? Is there something you want to ask?" he inquired respectfully.
"Well no, I mean yes. It's kinda hard. Oh, this is so embarrassing."
"Just spit it out already, Sugar Queen!"
"Okay, as I mention my birthday is coming up. My dad is throwing me a birthday party at the New Moon Karaoke Bar. It's where he and Mom met in college. And I'm supposed to invite my friends to my party!" she said in a rush while looking down at the ground.
She then pulled out of her backpack the invitations in the ocean blue envelopes stamped with the symbol of the Water Tribe on them.
"Wait, what?!" everyone gasped in surprise as they took the envelopes and read them quickly. In a quite beautiful calligraphy in azure blue ink were the following words.
"You're all cordially invited to a night of sweets and singing at the New Moon Karaoke Bar for the 15th birthday party of Katara.
Party starts at six and goes to ten.
Please R.S.V P. for your answer.
Sincerely Councilman Hakoda."
"I told Dad I didn't want a party! Especially not at the Karaoke Bar! But did he listen? No!' Katara ranted and raved in a small triad to herself for a few moments. She almost didn't hear everyone reply.
"Sure we'll come to your party."
"Wait!" snapping out of her crazy raving and looked at them perplexed. "What did you say?"
"We said yes? We're going to your party, Katara. We are all friends now. We're not gonna let you spend your birthday alone. Tell your father we're all coming and we'll figure out the details on our own how to get to the party," Akiko replied to her and Katara still looked shocked.
"Okay, I'll let my dad know when he picks me and Sokka up. Which speaking of which we'd all better get outside. Our rides should be here in five minutes to take us home. Remember to lock up after we leave!"
Most of the other kids had taken the late bus or gotten their parents to take them home. For Team Avatar everyone's parents or devoted family members were there to give them a ride home except for Aang.
Aang queried why Gyasto was late. Iroh didn't want to leave with Zuko and Akiko till he knew someone had come to get Aang. Thus they remained for another half hour and he didn't show up.
Aang was in tears when someone came to the rescue. "Excuse me, Iroh?" called out a lovely female voice and they turned to see Akanke approach.
"Akanke? I didn't know you're still here. I thought we're the last people at the school today."
"I had to stay late with overseeing some of the kids working on the mural," She explained to her boss. Then shifted her coat a little she went on to explain further her reason for staying behind even later. " I just got a call from Gyasto. He can't come to get Aang today. He's being um "Detain" He gave me permission to escort him home."
"Can you verify this? I can't just let you take him home even if your home is his without proof. It wouldn't be wise or following rules of conduct."
"Check my cell phone," as she pulled out her phone and showed a text message from Gyasto confirming her story.
"Okay. Well, it does seem you have permission. See you when you come to the manor for your gardening lesson with Kimana, Aang. Make sure you both get home safely, Akanke."
"I will Iroh. You just make sure you and your children get home safely," she replied back.
They bowed to each other and they watched as they drove away. Akanke turned to Aang with a concerned look. "Don't they give children warm coats anymore? You must be freezing!" as she looked at him standing in his normal clothes without a coat on.
She herself was wearing a coat, true she'd gotten at a secondhand store, but still. "Yes, they do provide warm clothes for us. But they want me to obey. I got in trouble again and Tashi especially got irate and he really seems to have omitted what being an Air Nomad was about."
"What did you do that they wouldn't let you wear a warm coat to school?!" Akanke asked in an irritated voice.
"Well, one they aren't happy I'm even going to this school. Two they aren't happy I'm not following the program. And three what I did this time wrong they found out I don't play a 'proper' Air Nomad musical instrument.
It got back to them when we started band practice that I play a keytar and not some woodwind that was handcraft."
"Oh! That is so...I can't even use the words I like to use because you are standing here. C'mon on. I've got my pass. We're going back into the school for a minute to lost and found. They've got to have a coat or something to keep you warm."
Using her pass key they did go to the lost and found and found a heavy sweater and she personally put it on him and jammed a winter hat on his head. Then taking his hand in hers they started to make their way home.
"I've so had it! The monks are essentially as contaminated as the rest of the city! They may think the Ten Deadly Plagues haven't poisoned them, but it has! And now innocent children are paying the price!
How many injustices must be done in this world?! I mean I thought the greatest injustice we've committed was families destroyed for no reason! But now we've to punish children for just being children?!
I mean we've really fallen! Oh! I've so had it! Those monks and nuns are really gonna get a piece of my mind! And I don't care if I've to get a bit violent with them! To treat a child like this after already destroying families?!" she was ranting while holding Aang firmly.
Aang could tell Akanke really had a lot of animosity towards her culture. Though he could see that what she was truly angry about was what he was angry about. Broken families for no reason. Was she a mother whose child or children been taken from her? Was that reason for what was making her so rageful?
They got back home eventually but Akanke didn't let go of Aang or go to her side of the island. She kept her grip on him and marched to where the male elders lived and kicked in the door.
Needless to say, all five of them were startled to see a woman there and that she had the disobedient child with her. But she was behind pissed off at this point.
"What are you doing on this side of the island, Akanke? You should be on your side of the island?" Tashi questioned and she snarled at him.
"I'm here for sake of a child you bastard! And don't you dare interrupt me! I've so had it with how corrupt we've become over a few centuries!
You old foolish black-hearts all go on about preserving our culture when all you've done is destroy our core beliefs and destroy so many lives! You've punished the innocent and made everyone cut from the same cloths!
Times change! People change! And some wrongs must be righted! I for one will NOT TOLERATE YOUR CONTINUING TO PUNISH THIS CHILD OR ANY CHILD FOR THE SOLE REASON THEY ARE DIFFERENT!" she screamed at them.
"Watch your tongue! How dare you barge in here and..." and she got really close to him and snapped back at him.
"How DARE ALL OF YOU CALL YOURSELVES AIR NOMADS! YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF THE WORD! YOU'VE FORGOTTEN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AIR NOMADS AND HAVE FORGOTTEN QUITE A LOT OF WHAT BEING HUMAN IS TOO!
AND I FOR ONE AM SICK AND TIRED OF THE GREAT INJUSTICE WE'VE DONE SINCE TIME BEGUN OF DESTROYING OUR FAMILIES FOR NO REASON!
IT'S TIME YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE REMEMBER WHAT YOU'VE FORGOTTEN AND RECONSIDER A GREAT DEAL!
NOW I'LL MAKE ONE THING CLEAR IF YOU EVER HARM THIS BOY AGAIN IN ANY WAY YOU'LL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME! AND YOU WON'T LIKE IT!
NOW I'M TAKING HIM TO GET A DECENT MEAL AND MAKING SURE HE GETS HIS HOMEWORK DONE AS YOUR HOLDING GYASTO HOSTAGE TO PUNISH HIM FOR THE SIMPLE CRIME OF BEING A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY!
GOOD NIGHT!" she finished bellowing at them and took Aang again and he followed her completely bewilder what just happened as everyone else was stunned.
Akanke didn't care for the looks she was getting or anyone who tried to stop her she was so full of rage she didn't care and would've caused bodily harm to anyone who came between her and Aang that night as she made him dinner and made sure he got his homework done.
She kept her vigil over him till Gyasto was sprung from solitary. They'd a very private and heated conversation but one thing was clear. Both deeply cared about Aang and weren't going to let anyone hurt him again.
Akanke from that point on kept an especially close eye on Aang while he was at school. It had been obvious in Aang's art class that he was her favorite student. They assumed it had to do the fact they're both Air Nomads and he was on the creative side.
But when Aang confided with the rest of Team Avatar what had happened him and Akanke. The gang offered their own theory that seemed to make the most sense of why based on Akanke's own rant and her behavior of why she was suddenly so protective of Aang.
What they'd concluded as a group was Akanke's own childhood of being different, her resentment at her own culture's corruption and the strong likelihood she'd a child or children she'd been forced to give up and had no idea what happened to them she'd unintentionally developed motherly feelings for Aang as he'd develop similar feelings for her.
And right now she was thinking like a mother needing to protect a child even if she never could protect her own child which she likely never find out what happened to them she could at least protect one child.
Either way, she was now making sure no-one hurt Aang as long as he was on the school grounds and was giving him a little more attention in art class too.
But other than a teacher abruptly becoming a surrogate mother there was another thing for the students of Avatar Wan High to be concerning themselves with. A Talent Showcase was coming up.
Kishi had explained this wasn't a talent "Show" but "Showcase" meaning they weren't competing for any prize or anything like that. They're simply gonna showcase their talents before their friends and family.
Everyone was eager to sign up and find out what could they do. Sokka who best talent was creative planning and organizing was Kishi's assistant. He was doing the work of keeping track of who was in the showcase, what order they went in, and what they would need for their showcase.
He was surprised that both Yue and Suki volunteer to be his personal helpers. Aang, Toph, and Katara would work as stagehands. Zuko and Akiko, on the other hand, planned to be in the show itself.
When asked what they planned to do for the show so they knew what to get them. They admitted they're going to do a short version of the famous Fire Nation Ballet "Phoenix Heaven"
No one had ever seen them actually dance ballet and it was still somewhat an amusing thought to some. Especially Sokka to think of Zuko dancing ballet given all Sokka saw of the ballet was what you saw in children cartoons.
Still, it's what they wanted to do. So there was really no reason to pick on them. They had other people to think about. Such as Mai and Ty Lee. Mai was going to be doing some poetry readings and Ty Lee was doing what she called "Her Circus Act"
"Alright? Do you want to do a poetry reading? Can you read a few to me? So I know which one your gonna do? So I can judge the time frame you're going to use up?" Sokka requested to the goth girl as he held up a stopwatch.
"Very well if you must. Let me get my little black book," as Mai picked up a black notebook that a bleeding heart with a dagger through it.
Clearing her throat she began to read a few of her poems.
"If you want to,
you can save me
you can take me away from here.
So lonely inside
So happy out there
All I wanted
Was someone who cares
To pull me from this loneliness
I'm sinking inside myself
Your hand is all I have to hang on to
When the rain falls
Will you let me go
Will you be right here
When all I wanted was to be like you,
Happy and free
But it was all swept away
I needed someone
To show me the way
So I took your hand and we figured out
That when the time comes
You'd take me away"
"Go to sleep my brother, for it is getting
Dark.
We'll be tight until the end, alway
Going to be in my heart
We'll fight for each other, and take
Stands
We'll never find another; we'll hold each
Others hands
In delight we saunter, holding hands
Like always"
As the rain falls I watch from my seat
and I think of them.
How they're gone and I'm still here.
When they left I cried
I cried so hard it hurt
and I didn't think I'd stop.
I was depressed and didn't think I'd go on.
But somewhere deep down I heard their voices.
They told me to stop mourning because they were no longer in pain.
So now I watch the rain and smile."
"There are moments when I don't know if it's real or if anybody feels
the way I feel.
For far longer than forever I'll hold them in my heart. It's almost like they're
here with me.
Although we're far apart far longer than forever as constant as a star.
So I'll take my broken glass and make a window so I can see their faces again.
When I close my eyes I'm there with them."
"Day after day the blackest rose wilts.
It trembles and trembles and loses another petal.
It loses its color,
of the most delicious crimson blood.
And when autumn comes,
more petals continue to fall.
Down, down…
Until they reach the ground.
Day after day the blackest rose wilts.
It trembles and trembles and loses another petal.
Finally, there is only one petal left of the rose.
There's just one more chance for someone to save it.
It feels alone in its dreary existence…
It has no comfort.
It's feelings mirror mine.
Day after day the blackest rose wilts.
Finally, the last petal is starting to come loose.
Yes, there is just one chance for someone to embrace it.
One more chance for someone to save it.
But does anyone know who or what the rose really is?
The blackest rose is my heart.
It has been turned black from all the cruelty and hatred it has experienced."
Nobody knows, but I'm slowly dying inside.
And it's all because of them
them
them who once filled my life with such joy, are forcing me away.
But they don't know what they're doing to me.
They don't know that they are the reason I feel alone and forgotten and thrown away.
I'm barely alive.
But if this continues, I won't be alive at all.
Day after day the blackest rose wilts.
And today is the day when the final petal falls.
The last chance has slipped by.
To save its life, to save my life as well.
And I suspect they have come just a second too late, as always.
But maybe they will enjoy the black rose I have left them" Mai finished reading her selection of poems and Sokka was a bit taken aback by them.
"Um, I think you should maybe do just do. I advise the Black Rose one and you just the other one you think is best. But that's all we've time for is two.
Okay, Ty Lee? Let's see how we can time your um "Circus act?" What do you mean by that? Oh boy!" he cried out in shock as he watched her dressed in a circus costume on a tightrope and doing all kinds of crazy things.
"Well, I think we can say one thing for sure, Sokka. Our talent showcase sure ain't gonna be monotonous!" chuckled Kishi as she walked up next to him to enjoy the show.
Finally, it was the night of the show and the school auditorium was full to capacity. It was a sold-out show.
That's why it was very sad at first when a dark-haired lady wearing a dark red hood over her face showed up. She looked frightened to be in society and wouldn't reveal her face.
At first, the ticket booth master wouldn't admit her as she didn't have a ticket already. But she was imploring with him. This caught the attention of Kimana who left the auditorium for a second to get something she left in the car.
"Oh my word!" she gasped when she saw a figure at the ticket booth. She walked over and touched her shoulder causing the woman to jump.
"Shush. The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want," she whispered quickly into her right ear and then turned to the ticket master. "It's okay. She's family. She with my husband and I. Her ticket got lost in the mail but we're expecting her. We just didn't expect her to be this late you know just before the curtains were to go up.
Let's get inside quickly before the show starts and someone sees us," Kimana hurried the woman inside.
"Kimana you didn't have to cover for me," whispered the woman in an affectionate soothing voice.
"Ursa, I know you wouldn't risk coming out of hiding except it was something extremely important to you that you couldn't stand to miss. Therefore if you're risking your life and the children lives to come to the talent show, it's worth the risk to let you see them perform."
"Is Azula performing tonight?" she whispered as they hurried through the dark theater to where Iroh, Xiaoying, and Piandao were sitting.
"I'm not sure, but you'll be happy to know Zuko and Akiko are performing tonight. Though I know you'll be out the door without them knowing you were here." as they got to their seats.
"Iroh! Xiaoying!" she hissed and they saw who it was and looked at the seat marked "Reserved" they'd a hunch Ursa would come out of hiding for this. Still, she didn't remove her hood and kept dark glasses over her eyes.
Ursa couldn't help but noticed that Xiaoying looked a little plumper or the way she and Piandao were glowing. She was about to ask and Xiaoying simply nodded to confirm the question without it needing to be asked.
Then the show started. One by one each act build on the other causing everyone excited to get more intense. Finally, it was down the last few acts. First went Mai, then Ty Lee. Then to everyone surprise, Azula did come on stage. No-one was sure what she going to do for her act.
They saw that she was wearing a traditional costume of Fire Nation culture and had a mask in her hand. Ursa then recognizes who and what Azula was going to do.
Azula didn't look nervous at all as she announced she was going to perform the part of the Dragon Empress from Love amongst the Dragons. That seemed to be all she was going to say before she started. When something made her pause for a second and she added.
"This was my mother's favorite stage play and she always wished she could've played this role. So I do this tonight in her honor." and with Azula being such a good liar it was very hard to tell if she was lying or not.
Even Toph had to admit she never could tell what was a lie or not with Zuko's sister. But somehow for Azula's family, they knew for once Azula was speaking the truth. It was just a gut feeling that they had.
But watched as Azula did the part perfectly even if she didn't have anyone with her she performed it perfectly. And her family and mother saw something that was very uncharacteristic of Azula as she performed.
They saw her vulnerable side. They saw passion, emotion, pain, sorrow. A glimpse of the hurt, lost human child inside of her as she finished her act.
The person who clapped loudest for her unknowingly was her mother. It was then time for Zuko and Akiko to perform. The backdrop changed and Zuko and Akiko walked out. Both were in skintight black ballet outfits with blazing flames across their chest. Akiko's hair was in a ballerina bun and she wore also a golden diadem with pink stones.
Everyone expected the traditional music to go with the dance. They liked the idea of surprises. They had Aang crank up the volume as the dance to the last song from the ballet movie "LEAP!"
I had a dream, or was it real?
We crossed the line and it was on
(We crossed the line, it was on this time)
I've been denying how I feel
You've been denying what you want
(You want from me, talk to me, baby)
I want some satisfaction, take me to the stars
Just like, "ahhh"
A-a-ahhh!
I wanna cut through the clouds, break the ceiling
I wanna dance on the roof, you and me alone
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna play where you play with the angels
I wanna wake up with you all in tangles, oh
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
Cancel your reservations
No more hesitations, this is on
(Can't make it stop, give me all you got)
I want it all or nothing
No more in-between, now give your
(Everything to me, let's get real baby)
A chemical reaction, take me in your arms
And make me, "ahhh"
A-a-ahhh!
I wanna cut through the clouds, break the ceiling
I wanna dance on the roof, you and me alone
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna play where you play with the angels
I wanna wake up with you all in tangles, oh
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
Take me to emotion, I want to go all the way
Show me devotion and take me all the way
Take me to emotion, I want to go all the way
Show me devotion and take me all the way
All the way, all the way, all the way
Take me all the way, a-a-ahhh!
I wanna cut through the clouds, break the ceiling
I wanna dance on the roof, you and me alone
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna play where you play with the angels
I wanna wake up with you all in tangles, oh
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah
I wanna cut through the clouds
Mmm, cut to the feeling
I wanna dance on the roof, oh-oh-oh, yeah
I wanna cut to the feeling, I wanna cut to the feeling
I wanna cut to the feeling, I wanna cut to the feeling!"
And everyone was blown away by beautiful ballet with amazing music that there was a standing ovation. Again the person clapping hardest was their mother.
Though she had to flee with Kimana's help before anyone realized she was there comprehending Ozai could never know she'd seen the children. Kimana said she would at least give them her love as Ursa escaped into the night to go back into the hiding.
Finally, it was the night of Katara's birthday and well that was a great night of singing for sure. Each of them took a turn and it was surprising what they ended up singing. Sokka went first.
" When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
There's no doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
Storms are raging on a-rollin' sea
Down the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love."
Toph with an earphone sang her song.
I've known a few guys who thought they were pretty smart
But you've got being right down to an art
You think you're a genius, you drive me up the wall
You're a regular original, a know-it-all
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
OK, so you're a rocket scientist
That don't impress me much
So you got the brain but have you got the touch?
Now don't get me wrong, yeah, I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
I never knew a guy who carried a mirror in his pocket
And a comb up his sleeve just in case
And all that extra hold gel in your hair oughtta lock it
'Cause Heaven to forbid it should fall outta place
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
OK, so you're Brad Pitt
That don't impress me much
So you got the looks but have you got the touch?
Now don't get me wrong, yeah, I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
You're one of those guys who likes to shine his machine
You make me take off my shoes before you let me get in
I can't believe you kiss your car good night
Now, C'mon, baby, tell me? You must be jokin', right?
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're special
Oh-oo-oh, you think you're something else
OK, so you've got a car
That don't impress me much
So you got the moves but have you got the touch?
Now don't get me wrong, yeah, I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much
You think you're cool but have you got the touch?
Now don't get me wrong, yeah, I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm on the long, cold, lonely night
That don't impress me much
OK. So, what do you think? You're Elvis or something?
That don't impress me much!
That don't impress me much!
Zuko went next.
Let's go!
Don't wantcha for the weekend, don't wantcha for a night
I'm only interested if I can have you for life, yeah
Uh, I know I sound serious and baby I am
You're a fine piece of real estate, and I'm gonna get me some land
Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run honey, love can be fun
There's no need to be alone when you find that someone
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry 'bout that
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should - I'll getcha good
Yeah, uh, uh
I've already planned it - here's how it's gonna be
I'm gonna love you and - you're gonna fall in love with me
Yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run honey, love can be fun
There's no need to be alone when you find that someone
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry 'bout that
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should - I'll getcha good
Yeah, I'm gonna getcha baby I'm gonna knock on wood
I'm gonna getcha somehow honey yeah, I'm gonna make it good
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah
So, don't try to run honey, love can be fun
There's no need to be alone when you find that someone
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha while I gotcha in sight
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha if it takes all night
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can betcha by the time I say "go," you'll never say "no"
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, it's a matter of fact
(I'm gonna getcha)
I'm gonna getcha, don'tcha worry 'bout that
(Yeah, you can betcha)
You can bet your bottom dollar, in time you're gonna be mine
Just like I should - I'll getcha good
Oh, I'm gonna getcha, I'm gonna getcha real good
Yeah, you can betcha, oh, I'm gonna getcha
(I'm gonna getcha) just like I should, I'll getcha good
Oh, I'm gonna getcha good!
Akiko was up next.
It's 'bout as bad as it could be
Seems everybody's buggin' me
Like nothing wants to go my way-
yeah, it just ain't been my day
Nothin's comin' easily
Even my skin is acting weird
I wish that I could grow a beard
Then I could cover up my spots
not play connect the dots
I just wanna disappear
Up-up-up-
Can only go up from here
Up-up-up-Up
where the clouds gonna clear
Up-up-up-
There's no way but up from here
Even something as simple as
Forgettin' to fill up on gas
There ain't no explanation why-
things like that can make you cry
Just gotta learn to have a laugh
Up-up-up-
Can only go up from here
Up-up-up-Up
where the clouds gonna clear
Up-up-up-
There's no way but up from here
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...
When everything is goin' wrong
Don't worry, it won't last for long
Yeah, it's all gonna come around
Don't go let it get you down
You gotta keep on holding on
It's 'bout as bad as it could be
Seems everybody's buggin' me
Like nothing want to go my way-
yeah, it just ain't been my day
Nothin's comin' easily
Up-up-up-
Can only go up from here
Up-up-up-Up
where the clouds gonna clear
Up-up-up-
There's no way but up from here
Oh- I'm going up [4x]
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah...
Aang then sang his song dedicated to Katara.
She's sun and rain, she's fire and ice
A little crazy but it's nice
And when she gets mad, you best leave her alone
'Cause she'll rage just like a river
Then she'll beg you to forgive her
She's every woman that I've ever known
She's so New York and then L.A.
And every town along the way
She's every place that I've never been
She's making love on rainy nights
She's a stroll through Christmas lights
And she's everything I want to do again
It needs no explanation
'Cause it all makes perfect sense
For when it comes down to temptation
She's on both sides of the fence
No, it needs no explanation
'Cause it all makes perfect sense
When it comes down to temptation
She's on both sides of the fence
She's anything but typical
She's so unpredictable
Oh but even at her worst
She ain't that bad
She's as real as real can be
And she's every fantasy
Lord, she's every lover that I've ever had
And she's every lover that I've never had
And Katara finished birthday night with her own love song making her truly sing again.
In your arms, I can still feel the way you
Want me when you hold me
I can still hear the words you whispered
When you told me
I can stay right here forever in your arms
And there ain't no way
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face - always
Mmmm, baby
In your heart - I can still hear
A beat for every time you kiss me
And when we're apart
I know how much you miss me
I can feel your love for me in your heart
And there ain't no way
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face - always
(I wanna wake up every morning)
In your eyes - (I can still see
The look of the one) I can still see
The look of the one who really loves me
(I can still feel the way that you want)
The one who wouldn't put anything
Else in the world above me
(I can still see love for me) I can
Still, see your love for me in your eyes
(I still see the love)
And there ain't no way
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
I'm keeping you forever and for always
I'm in your arms!"
All in all, it was a magical night. Mai's poems come from my friend Amy's OC Firefang in my HTTYD Sagas.
